Ceremonial Canoe
(Agai-ni-waiau), 1940
Henry Kuper
San Cristobal, Solomon Islands

Tuna fishing has played a central role in Solomon Islands culture. Tuna is an important part of the diet, and the hunt for the fish has influenced the appearance of the indigenous peoples’ canoes and the rituals in which they are used.

The agai-ni-waiau is an integral part of the rite marking a boy’s transition to manhood in the traditional culture on San Cristobal. At the end of the ceremony, the boys to be initiated set out in one of these canoes with expert fishermen to catch the challenging bonito (tuna).