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Fijian Camakau

Since the seven large logs used to carve the new Brigham Young University Hawai'i sailing canoe came from near Suva, Fiji, it's fitting that a Fijian camakau-style sailing canoe which has been on display at the Polynesian Cultural Center for the past 15 years, will join its cousin, Iosepa, when it is launched in Hukilau Bay on November 3, 2001.

The Institute for Polynesian Studies at BYU Hawai'i and the Polynesian Cultural Center, working with then Fiji Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, commissioned a group of craftsmen from the Naikeleyaga tribe on Kabara in the Lau Islands district, to carve the camakau [the letter 'c' in Fijian is pronounced 'th']. The late Ratu Mara was also the Tui Nayau or paramount chief of the Lau Islands which are located between Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji, and Tonga. Over the centuries, Lau islanders were widely recognized for their sailing abilities among the various island groups of western Polynesia and beyond.

The camakau is a double-hulled canoe noted for its speed and maneuverability where the smaller hull acts as an outrigger. In addition, when turning, the base of the crab-claw sail is swung 180 degrees around a 20-foot mast, and either end of the camakau can act as the bow.

Beginning on May 27, 1985, and using only traditional tools and processes, the Kabara craftsmen cut down a 45-foot vesi tree, a tropical hardwood, to shape the canoe hulls and components. In addition to using historical building methods and materials, the craftsmen also followed other ancient customs. For example, women helped weave the sails for the canoe, but were not allowed to work on the sleek craft.

The Kabara islanders held six special feasts during the various construction phases of the canoe. When it was finished, it contained no metal or synthetic parts; and the islanders named it Kato Ni Matau Ni Matai Vanua Kabara [The Ax Chest of the Craftsmen of the Land of Kabara]. They put the camakau through sea trials off Kabara Island, and reported it left the powered escort boat behind.

Ratu Mara and his wife, Adi Lala, traveled to Hawai'i to be present when the camakau reached the Polynesian Cultural Center on January 10, 1986. As part of the BYUH Hawaiian sailing canoe project, master carvers Tuione Pulotu, Kawika Eskaran, Hawaiian Studies students and community volunteers have refurbished the camakau along with several other smaller Hawaiian canoes.

The launching of the BYU Hawai'i sailing canoe, Iosepa, on November 3rd marks the first time since 1986 that the camakau has been back in the ocean.

Maintained by University Advancement

Last Updated November 2, 2001