Wave Splitter (Tabuya)

ClassificationsTools and Equipment-canoe ornaments

Culture Massim

Date20th Century

Made AtMilne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

Collection SiteMilne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

MediumWood

Dimensions32 × 27 × 2 in. (81.3 × 68.6 × 5.1 cm)

Credit LineCollected on behalf of the Bowers Museum by the Roski-Keller-Martin Expedition

Object number2014.12.15

DescriptionWave splitters are a part of the elaborate canoes used in the kula trade ring in the Massim area of Papua New Guinea. Known colloquially as tabuya, wave splitters, also known as prowboards, are located on both the prow and the stern of the canoe. Crescent shaped wave splitters such as this example are commonly found on the large ngega canoes. The tabuya project outwards from the bow or the stern and a splashboard is attached behind it. Together, these two components protect the canoe and its passengers from splashing ocean water as the canoe cuts through waves.

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