Bird symbolism is seen in the profile of
this canoe. Lacking abundant lagoons and plagued by periods of drought, the
Marquesas spawned many voyages in search of new lands. Hawai'i and Easter
Island may have been first discovered by voyagers from the Marquesas. One
account of a voyage of exile was heard in the early 19th century by Captain
David Porter of the U. S. Navy:
"...the grandfather of Gattanewa sailed
with four large canoes in search of land, taking with him a large stock of
provisions and water, together with a quantity of hogs, poultry, and young
plants. He was accompanied by several families, and has never been heard of
since he sailed."
Page 28, Voyagers
Link to on-line publication of Ancient Hawai'i
