Drua - Jay

Today at the Fiji Museum, we learned about many things, including these awesome and massive boats once used to battle and transport goods.

The "Drua" is a double-hulled sailing boat that was found in the Fijian Islands here in years past. These vessels could carry over 200 people. They were owned by wealthy aristocrats and used as War Canoes.

These were fast boats with huge oars that required multiple men to manipulate. Their sails were large and triangle in shape to catch fast winds.

Their hulls were identical on both ends, as to not require a front or back when changing directions in the wind.

In the middle of the boat is a structure where the they could carry their cargo and protect the Chief from weather.

These boats as well as other artifacts have helped us learn about the history of Fiji.