Vaka purua

A vaka purua is a type of hull dugout double of the islands Cook, used formerly for the crossings with the long course. Those which for largest reached more than 25 meters, could embark to about fifty individuals like their provision (water, pigs, taro, coconut, fruits of the breadfruit tree…).

They consist of two hulls of equal sizes, with Tribord the " katea" where the oarsmen assoient themselves, with Bâbord the " ama" being used as beam, navigation generally being done and when it was possible by wind of starboard face or back wind

Each of the two hulls are done of three distinct parts.

the " 'aumi" located at the Prow;
the " noko" located in poop;
the " puke" who corresponds to the center of the hull generally dug in a trunk of Tamanu.

These three elements are joined ('a' with) using cords made out of braided coconut fibers (" ka' a) and slipped into holes (" putaka") dug at the end of each part to assemble. The poop and the prow finish at a peak on which are generally carved figures of the antromorphic type called " tiki" and supposed to protect the boats from the dangers of the crossing

The two hulls are connected by a system of cross-pieces (" kiato") on which rests a central platform, generally covered and called " ataata". This platform constitutes truly the place of life of the crew during the crossing

These dugouts can in the case of largest comprise double aerofoils of triangular form (" kie") made braided plaits, attached to masts (" tita") being able to reach nearly ten meters height. The other means of propulsion is of course the oar (" 'oe") there exist several types according to their use (" 'oe poti " , " tu' oe" …).

There does not exist nowadays any more of " vaka purua" from time, nevertheless two reconstitutions were built by it in the years 1990 with Rarotonga on the initiative of Tom Davis and Puati Mataiapo. They were named name of two of the tribes (" vaka tangata") and old dugouts of the island, namely Takitumu and Teauotonga. They went inter alia to Raiatea for a ceremony wishing to point out the more or less historical bonds of the two islands.

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