TABILAI
Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 9:54 pm
The “tabilai” is a fast interisland single outrigger canoe in the Fiji Islands; small size extant on some outer islands. Early canoes used for war purpose. Dugout hull left solid at the ends; double ended with narrow vertical cutwaters; hull strengthened by gunwale rails. Partly decked. Three main booms extend to the float, plus numerous shorter booms and stringers; platform rests on booms in the hull area. Float and main booms connected by a pair of divergent stanchions. Sets a triangular sail with the apex tacked to forward end; raking mast pivoted to opposite end when tacking, the outrigger kept to windward. Sail boomed at the foot.
Also sculled. Early boats exceptionally long.
Fiji 1977 15c sg546, scott381 (Navicula gives, the canoe depict in the coat of arms of Fiji and showed on many stamps depict the “tabilai”.)
Fiji 1940 1/5sh sg263, scott?
Fiji 1948 8p sg279, scott?
Fiji 1953 8p sg 279, scott?
Fiji 1954 8p sg 288, scott?
Fiji 1961 £1 sg 310 scott?
Fiji 1964 £1 sg 325, scott?
Source: From Aak to Zumbra, a Dictionary of the world’s watercraft.
Also sculled. Early boats exceptionally long.
Fiji 1977 15c sg546, scott381 (Navicula gives, the canoe depict in the coat of arms of Fiji and showed on many stamps depict the “tabilai”.)
Fiji 1940 1/5sh sg263, scott?
Fiji 1948 8p sg279, scott?
Fiji 1953 8p sg 279, scott?
Fiji 1954 8p sg 288, scott?
Fiji 1961 £1 sg 310 scott?
Fiji 1964 £1 sg 325, scott?
Source: From Aak to Zumbra, a Dictionary of the world’s watercraft.