The stamp shows а special ceremonial and sacred bonito canoe 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.