Preserving Yap's Navigational Legacy

Description: This project focuses on the construction of a new canoe house at the Yap Living History Museum, a key step in preserving and showcasing Yap’s traditional maritime practices. The canoe house will serve as a hub for building and restoring traditional canoes, while providing a space for educational workshops on navigation, boat building, and cultural storytelling. It will be an anchor for the revitalization of Yap’s maritime heritage and an inviting space for both local communities and visitors to learn about the island’s ancient traditions.

The "Restoration of the Mathow Maram" project focuses on the preservation and restoration of the Mathow Maram, one of Yap's most historically significant traditional canoes. This project aims to repair and restore the Mathow Maram to its original state, using traditional methods and materials, while also documenting the restoration process for future generations. The canoe will serve as a cultural symbol of Yap’s maritime heritage and a key educational tool for teaching the art of traditional canoe building and navigation. Once restored, the Mathow Maram will be used for ceremonial purposes and as a centerpiece in maritime cultural events, highlighting the island's rich sailing traditions.

The Traditional Canoe Building Program offers practical, skill-building opportunities for community members to learn the craft of constructing traditional Yapese canoes. Under the guidance of master boat builders, participants will engage in every step of the process, from selecting materials to the final launch. This project not only preserves the craft of canoe building but also empowers local youth and adults with valuable skills that strengthen their connection to their cultural roots and the sea.