Aramia (racing canoe)
Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 6:24 pm
The racing canoe of the Aramia tribe is show on the 25c stamp. In the old days these vessels became so renowned that they were exported to such distant places as the Torres Strait. On such commercial voyages the men were always accompanied by their women.
Payments were usually made upon delivery and the trade consisted chiefly of armshells, cowries, pearlshell crescents and dogs’ teeth. Today, very large canoes of 60 ft. and 70 ft. long are still used, without an outrigger. Smaller single outriggers are also employed on the Bamu River. In some areas the natives paddle their canoes sitting down; other areas prefer standing-up paddlers.
Sea Breezes May 1975 Ernest Argyle
Papua New Guinea SG279
Payments were usually made upon delivery and the trade consisted chiefly of armshells, cowries, pearlshell crescents and dogs’ teeth. Today, very large canoes of 60 ft. and 70 ft. long are still used, without an outrigger. Smaller single outriggers are also employed on the Bamu River. In some areas the natives paddle their canoes sitting down; other areas prefer standing-up paddlers.
Sea Breezes May 1975 Ernest Argyle
Papua New Guinea SG279