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The stamp shows а special ceremonial and sacred bonito canoe- «agai-ni-waiau» of Santa Ana Island at the south end of the archipelago; used in the initiation rites of young boys. Plank- built canoe of the «ora» type, with high, curved ends and washstrakes forward. A carved bird's head with a fish in its mouth tops the bow erection, a small crouching dog decorates the inward slope of the stern erection; further carvings embellish the inner ends of the washstrakes. Two bottom and 2 side planks; end pieces created with separate planking. Open; sides often ornamented with inlaid shell. Paddles used for propulsion and steering. Length 6.1m, beam 0.58m, depth 0.38m.
Solomon Islands: 1939; 2,5d; SG64; Source: A Dictionary of the world’s Watercraft from Aak to Zumbra.