Ora-canoe of Solomon Islands

[Anatol]

According to the Verguet Explorer (1885)the “ora” in shape approximates a crescent. It is 8 to 10 meters long, 1 meter wide,and 0.5 meter deep. There is room for at least six paddlers and a load of provisions. It has no keel; the bottom is flat and but little below the water. It is so light that two men can easily carry it; sometimes the natives carry their “ora” over, rather than paddle round a peninsula with a narrow neek. The stern is the post of honor and requires a skilful paddler. There is no more elegant craft than the “ora” afloat. Its two lofty ends rock, waving the red plumes which adorn them. The front part [below the fore-strakes| is black; the pale color of the wood of the sides ornamented with mother-of-pearl throws up the dark color of the crew. Verguet gives an illustration of an ora (see fig.) with three men paddling. On the sides are four birds inlaid with nacre and there is a little inlay at the bow. The fore washboards rise up into a peak on the top of which is a bird's head with a fish in its bill and below this a frigate (?) bird. The stern has no aft washboards and is prolonged into a longer, thinner peak on which a small carved figure of a man is sitting; below this, head downward, is a dog as in the Ulawa a bonito canoe. The peaks are ornamented with tassels. Used on the island of Malaita for fishing, transportation and sacral ceremonies.
Solomon Islands: 1956; 3,0d; SG87; Source: A. Haddon, John. Hornell: Canoes of Oceania.1937.Volume II.

[Anatol]

The stamp depicts a special ceremonial and sacred canoe-bonito of the southern part of the archipelago, sometimes used in initiation rites of young men. Plank -built canoe of the "ora" type, with high curved ends and washboard forward. Paddles used for propulsion and steering. The local name is "agai-ni-waiau".
Solomon Islands: 1939; 2,5d; SG64; Source: Dictionary of the world’s Watercraft from Aak to Zumbra.