Drua
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Also known as Na Drua, N'drua, Ndrua or Vaka Tepu (sacred canoe).

CAD Ndrua, vased on Sema Makawa
CAD Ndrua, vased on Sema Makawa

Druas are double-hull sailing canoes. Technically, a Drua is a pacific proa, the main difference is that instead of an outrigger it carries a smaller hull to windward. Druas have a symmetric U-form hull profile. When a float (aka) is used in place of the smaller hull, they are called Camakau (also called Tamakau).

Druas were developed in Fiji from the Micronesian proa. Tongan chiefs taking part in Fijian wars used to carry them back as bounty.citation needed They were rapidly adopted in Tonga (where they are called Kalia) and Samoa (where they are called Alia). Drua construction eventually became a monopoly of Tongan constructors living in the Fijian Lau islands.citation needed

Druas were sacred canoes used in war, and only chiefs could own one. Launching one required a bloody ritual, including human sacrifices.citation needed

References

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