In the Polynesian world all things are connected and nothing dies…things, people, they merely move through different dimensions. And so it is with the trees. Arriving from the upland forests they still retain their life force. Their soon-to-be transformation will be honored in ceremonies and rituals before work commences.

What in ancient times took months to complete has now with the use of modern tools been reduced to days. Mike Tavioni, kahuna kalai wa’a from Rarotonga states, “In their time my ancestors used the best and most modern tools. Today we are of the 21 st century and we too use the best to produce similar wa’a of great art and beauty”. Although the arcane measurements and ratios of the past still govern canoe building, it is the shape and size of the actual log that determines the finished vessel.

When most of the heavy work is done everyone settles into a rhythm. The sounds of the mallet, chisel and adze are now to heard. It is this part where the knowledge of the masters comes into play. Relying more on intuition, sight and feel they gradually coax their vision from the logs. The physical character of each wa’a has now emerged and for some, another dimension is about to be bestowed. This, the ‘uhane, encompasses the spiritual and metaphysical dimensions.

The curvilinear patterns on the Maori wa’a symbolize the connection between tangaroa and mankind.

The Cook Island triangular patterns symbolize the interdependant nature of existence. Although stylistically different, their inspiration is drawn from the same archetypal wellspring. From ancient Polynesia and coursing through time it still remains a living spirit connecting the past with the present. Transformed and imbued with a new life force the wa’a maintain this continuum.

Coconut fibers are made into sennitt cord and used for the lashings. They allow the wa’a to flex with the ocean movement and their correct threading and knotting is very important.

There is excitement when the wa’a are lined up on th beach and the carvers proudly show their canoes.

Each wa’a is connected by a ti rope to a stake in the ground symbolizing the umbilical connection with land. A chant arises signifying the birth of the wa’a as each kahuna kalai wa’a severs the connection with land. For all those involved it is a silent and deeply emotional moment. Than the wa’a are raised, carried to the water and placed in the domain of kanaloa. Their transformation is now complete.