tuhara
Tuhara is a term that refers to a type of traditional Māori canoe. These large, ocean-going vessels were a crucial element of Māori culture, serving as the primary means of transportation, warfare, and exploration throughout the islands of New Zealand. Tuhara were typically constructed from a single large totara tree, a native softwood that was highly valued for its durability and ease of carving. The process of hollowing out the tree and shaping it into a seaworthy canoe was a complex and time-consuming undertaking, often involving skilled artisans and communal effort.
The design of a tuhara varied depending on its intended purpose. War canoes, known as waka taua,