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Camakau
Camakau (Fijian pronunciation: [ða ma kau], sometimes spelled thamakau) are a traditional watercraft of Fiji. Part of the broader Austronesian tradition, they are similar to catamarans, outrigger canoes, or smaller versions of the drua, but are larger than a takia. These vessels were built primarily for the purposes of travelling between islands and for trade. These canoes are single hulled, with an outrigger and a cama, a float, with both ends of the hull being symmetrical. They were very large, capable of travelling open ocean, and have been recorded as being up to 70 ft in length.
Not until Suva did we meet islanders who recognized Celerity's lineage. "Like Fiji canoe! Very fast! Very good!" We were able to judge the accuracy of this pierhead analysis by chasing an outrigger thamakau across the blustery Viti Levu lagoon. In those minutes we closed a gap of centuries. Progenitor and descendant... the sennit-lashed proa with her crab-claw sail matched the trimaran's space-age profile and epoxy fastenings in speed—and sophistication. In the crossing of our wakes an era came full circle.
— Randy Thomas (1984)
It is theorised that the camakau was invented in the mid-1700s. In the comprehensive research of D'Arcy. P, Nuttal. P & Philip. C (2014), it is suggested that the main influences in the design of the camakau is Micronesian for the sail rig, particularly via Tonga. There are also Polynesian influences in the design of the canoe. The islands of Lau are located between Fiji and Tonga, and span over 250 nautical islands, meaning that the development of the camakau here was influenced by both of these regions, and the other water vessels of the Lau group.
As stated in "Canoes of Oceania", the camakau was particularly used in travelling between islands, and for chiefs of islands to visit each other. These boats were not used for the purpose of war.
The use of the camakau declined greatly in the mid-19th century, being replaced by European boats. However, the camakau has been recorded travelling between Fiji and Tonga even in the early 1900s, preferred by traditional users to European cutter.
Camakaus are still used in the traditional region today, particularly in the islands in the Lau group. The camakau is culturally perceived as old fashioned when used today, however, economic and environmental reasons make the camakau a very effective alternative to motorboats. The effects of climate change are being particularly felt by Fiji and the surrounding islands due to changing weather patterns as well as rising sea levels, and the associated economic impact of this. Thus, the camakau is being implemented back into society due to its environmental and economic benefits. Gianne. B (2010) states that modern camakaus' are also implementing nails, marine glue, rope and Styrofoam, taking the traditional design and making it more effective to be used in modern society.
The camakau is being used in islands where transportation is difficult, particularly due to the price of fuel and motorboats. The Uto Ni Yalo Trust is an organisation which gifts traditional Fijian canoes to island communities. In 2020, the Trust gifted five Camakaus to villagers of Nasesara, of which the village elder, Vilive Waqavuka said:
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Camakau AI simulator
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Camakau
Camakau (Fijian pronunciation: [ða ma kau], sometimes spelled thamakau) are a traditional watercraft of Fiji. Part of the broader Austronesian tradition, they are similar to catamarans, outrigger canoes, or smaller versions of the drua, but are larger than a takia. These vessels were built primarily for the purposes of travelling between islands and for trade. These canoes are single hulled, with an outrigger and a cama, a float, with both ends of the hull being symmetrical. They were very large, capable of travelling open ocean, and have been recorded as being up to 70 ft in length.
Not until Suva did we meet islanders who recognized Celerity's lineage. "Like Fiji canoe! Very fast! Very good!" We were able to judge the accuracy of this pierhead analysis by chasing an outrigger thamakau across the blustery Viti Levu lagoon. In those minutes we closed a gap of centuries. Progenitor and descendant... the sennit-lashed proa with her crab-claw sail matched the trimaran's space-age profile and epoxy fastenings in speed—and sophistication. In the crossing of our wakes an era came full circle.
— Randy Thomas (1984)
It is theorised that the camakau was invented in the mid-1700s. In the comprehensive research of D'Arcy. P, Nuttal. P & Philip. C (2014), it is suggested that the main influences in the design of the camakau is Micronesian for the sail rig, particularly via Tonga. There are also Polynesian influences in the design of the canoe. The islands of Lau are located between Fiji and Tonga, and span over 250 nautical islands, meaning that the development of the camakau here was influenced by both of these regions, and the other water vessels of the Lau group.
As stated in "Canoes of Oceania", the camakau was particularly used in travelling between islands, and for chiefs of islands to visit each other. These boats were not used for the purpose of war.
The use of the camakau declined greatly in the mid-19th century, being replaced by European boats. However, the camakau has been recorded travelling between Fiji and Tonga even in the early 1900s, preferred by traditional users to European cutter.
Camakaus are still used in the traditional region today, particularly in the islands in the Lau group. The camakau is culturally perceived as old fashioned when used today, however, economic and environmental reasons make the camakau a very effective alternative to motorboats. The effects of climate change are being particularly felt by Fiji and the surrounding islands due to changing weather patterns as well as rising sea levels, and the associated economic impact of this. Thus, the camakau is being implemented back into society due to its environmental and economic benefits. Gianne. B (2010) states that modern camakaus' are also implementing nails, marine glue, rope and Styrofoam, taking the traditional design and making it more effective to be used in modern society.
The camakau is being used in islands where transportation is difficult, particularly due to the price of fuel and motorboats. The Uto Ni Yalo Trust is an organisation which gifts traditional Fijian canoes to island communities. In 2020, the Trust gifted five Camakaus to villagers of Nasesara, of which the village elder, Vilive Waqavuka said: