Comments on: The Sailors

By: Mary Mennis

Mary Mennis — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 23:51:14 +0000

Your photos were great. With the price of fuel and cost of boats skyrocketing I think these canoes might make a comeback as they rely on windpower alone.

I am currently studying the traditional trading canoes on the north coast of Papua New Guinea where I lived for nearly nine years. None of these canoes are left now but in 1978, I encouraged the men in Bilbil Village to build a canoe in the traditional style. It was a triple deck with a large pot cage and mat sails. I am currently writing this up for publication. This canoe was beautiful. Unfortuantely it disintegrtaed over the years but I have notes, photos and taped interviews of the process.

Cheers,

Mary Mennis

By: sancho

sancho — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 23:00:32 +0000

Hi, thx for this great report.
i´m buildig since four years an nearly outrigger.
this was an good inspiration for me.

br
(73)
sancho
from saxonia/GER

By: Joanne Kenny

Joanne Kenny — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 06:04:15 +0000

Hello from accross the Pacific!!

My father went to PNG in 1952..so I was lucky enugh to grow up in Rabaul & Port Moresby. An amazing childhood..

Am currently researching for a Doco on outrigger canoes which are sailed in the Ninigo group – near Manus Island.
This is a collabrative project with a Cinematographer (Emmy nominated)collegue/friend who grew up in the Ninigos.

Have spent a few hours of homesickness courtesy of the I’net,and came across your blog. Thank you for “taking me” home!

Yes, important to record before lost.Saw so many cultural losses whilst growing up.

I never enter any comments, so this is completely spontaneous. A message in a bottle!

Would be happy to correspond if you wish, interested in your activities ( and those of the California Academy of Sciences).

Sincerely,
Jo Kenny
Film and Television Consultant.