Protecting and Promoting our Tongan Traditional Knowledge Systems Featured
8 July, 2020. Twenty-five (25) canoes from the Canoes of Polynesia Phase 2 project were put to water on the slipper beside the Touliki Masefield, loaded with excited paddlers who paddled up to form a guard of honor outside the entrance from the naval base, and cheered for His Majesty as he departed on the naval boat – VOEA Ngahau Koula on a Royal visit to ‘Eua.
Also present was HRH Princess Salote Mafile’o Pilolevu Tuita.
A specially made popao by Tongan master carver Mr. Tu’i’one Pulotu was gifted at sea to His Majesty who named it Tu’imoana.
The Ministry of Tourism is pleased to acknowledge Mr. Pulotu’s efforts to contribute to our Traditional Knowledge systems through his customary carving methods and techniques.
As previously reported, the Ministry supports and is in partnership with Mr. Pulotu and associates in spearheading this initiative.
It involves mass production of canoes mainly from red cedar. While this project is in progress, young interested future carvers are being trained on the job in canoe-making and students are encouraged to visit, observe and ask questions to Mr. Pulotu on site.
It is anticipated that once all the canoes are made, they will be made available for public use while some will be left for the Ministry to manage, creating both tourist and educational water activities in future.
Mr. Pulotu has been instrumental in supporting the Culture Division with their plans to re-open the Tonga National Museum by donating some of his carvings to be exhibited.
The Ministry of Tourism would like to thank Pulotu for sharing his work and talent, we are committed to the safe-keeping and protection of our traditional knowledge to be passed on to our future generations.
