10 Sep 2019

Traditional Navigators of Melanesia

Taumako, Duff Islands, Solomon Islands

The isolated island of Taumako in the Solomon Islands holds valuable ancestral secrets from generations past: Traditional Polynesian navigation aboard Te Pukes (ocean-going canoes). Fortunately, this ancient art has seen a revival in recent decades with the help of the Vaka Taumako Project.

Our voyages 'Secrets of Melanesia: Solomon Islands & Vanuatu' visit Taumako Island to speak with the local people and learn about their continued use of traditional sailing canoes.

Few can argue that the early Polynesian voyagers were the world's best wayfinders in history. Master navigators using non-instrument techniques aboard brilliantly engineered natural canoes, they plied the vast ocean with precision and skill. Interpreting everything from the wind and ocean currents to the clouds, birds and stars, the ancient Polynesians were highly in tune with nature. The ocean was not a barrier to them, but rather a giant highway connecting thousands of cultures and communities throughout the Pacific.

In the Solomon Islands, Te Puke means "ocean-going canoe." While similar in appearance to the larger outrigger canoe,  Te Puke has a distinct sail resembling a crab claw.

On Taumako Island, part of the Duff Island group in the Solomon Islands, the story of Lata has been passed down through generations. Honoured and recognised as the first person to build and sail a voyaging canoe (Te Puke), Lata is a legend here. Residents of Taumako Island are direct descendants of Lata and there remain a few elders, who have personally voyaged aboard these canoes, who are well versed in and can teach the traditional construction and navigation methods of Te Puke. Sadly, many of these skills are no longer practiced by other Polynesians elsewhere, making Taumako a kind of historical museum for the ancient art of traditional Polynesian navigation. 

"Voyaging is our most important custom. Children who come after us must see this too. If we do not teach them before we die, then that is it."  –ABRAHAM MAONE, Taumako Island

Introducing the Vaka Taumako Project

In 1993, anthropologist and sailor Dr. Mimi George and David Lewis, a maritime adventurer and researcher, visited the remote isle of Taumako while sailing through the South Pacific. What resulted from their stay was the birth of a long-lasting friendship and collaboration with (The Late) Duff Islands' Chief Koloso Kaveia and navigation elders to help preserve their culture's voyaging knowledge.

"The Vaka Taumako Project (VTP) was started in 1996 to support the training of youth to build and sail voyaging canoes on ancient sailing routes using ancestral materials, methods, designs, and wayfinding practices. The Project team consists of volunteer sailors, navigators, canoe builders, students, teachers, scholars, doctors, documentarians, cooks and gardeners; men, women, children and elders from the Solomon Islands and the United States, working to perpetuate the practice of ancient Polynesian voyaging knowledge. The Vaka Taumako Project benefits all people by the revival in practice and dissemination of authentic Polynesian voyaging knowledge, and strives to protect the intellectual property rights and intangible heritage of the Taumako community." –Vaka Taumako Project

A three-part documentary series produced by The Vaka Taumako Project, "We, The Voyagers," presents how these isolated Western Pacific islanders hold the Lata art of navigation using local sustainable materials and unique designs and methods.

Watch the film's trailer here:

Join Heritage Expeditions on a Voyage through Solomon Islands, including Taumako Island

Secrets of Melanesia: Solomon Islands & Vanuatu [12 Days]

Honiara, Solomon Islands to Port Vila, Vanuatu
Aboard the Spirit of Enderby
Prices From: $5,495 USD
Rates include all shore excursions, snorkelling, meals and shipboard accommodation

• Visit remote islands where the art of traditional navigation still lives today
• Tour historic Japanese and American war memorials
• Pristine rivers, waterfalls, verdant tropical forests, scenic fjords, white-sand beaches and remote atolls
• Swimming at iconic Champagne Beach
• Visit isolated villages and welcoming locals – learn about their way of life
• Elaborately costumed dancers and 'Sing-Sings'
• Fascinating endemic birdlife – Solomon Sea Eagle, Vanikoro White-eye, Kolombangara Monarch, Vanuatu Megapode and White-headed Fruit Dove...
• 3 days in Vanuatu including Ambryn – ‘island of volcanoes’ and home to traditional Rom dance
• The remote Duff Islands, including Taumako Island
• A Naturalist and Marine Biologist will also be on this expedition
• Optional Birding Programme (additional cost)

"Thanks for a truly wonderful trip. A great insight into the lives of the people of the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Wonderful snorkelling opportunities. A great crew! Thank you Aaron for your very capable and calm leadership. Thanks to Suzanne for your knowledge of local customs and the informative notices pinned up daily. Katrin for looking after our hospitality needs so well and the chefs for great food! Also a great bunch of fellow travellers!!" –Sandra