Polynesian Wayfinders

Maritime exploration is a topic that I have always found fascinating, and there is no culture in which this pastime is as important and prominent then the Polynesian peoples of the Pacific islands. For centuries Polynesians discovered hundreds of islands, travelled thousands of miles at a time and created a network encompassing the majority of the central and south Pacific. They used navigation based solely on natural factors such as the moon, stars, sun and wind . learning about this incredible history, in addition to my own experiences with the vibrant and historic Hawaiian culture and movies such as Moana inspired to create this diorama.

This scene consists of exactly 2,998 pieces and in this configuration measures approximately 35x30x25 centimeters (14x12x10 inches). The diorama consists of three major parts:

The double-hulled voyaging canoe featured here is based off of real life boats past and present, as well as from movies like Moana. This model includes adjustable sails, rigging, deck details such as railings and torches, and much more to help increase the realism of the scene. aspects of the canoe such as the wave-like carvings on the sides of the hulls and the individual logs on the underside are included to represent traditional Polynesian artistic and structural practices. The sails are built using rounded 1x2 plates, allowing them to be molded into a lifelike, billowing shape. The rigging is accomplished using only preexisting LEGO string elements which were carefully measured to ensure fit.

Manta rays are incredible creatures that inhabit tropical open-ocean waters around the world. In many Polynesian cultures, these majestic animals represent protection, wisdom and strength, and can also embody many powerful spirits. The manta included here has movable fins and an adjustable tail, and is positioned jumping out of the water in a move that these animals often do. In real life, mantas can even glide in the air for a few seconds!

The largest part of this diorama is the base and ocean surface. The canoe is depicted cresting a wave built with a similar technique to the sails, using rounded bricks to create the curve in the wave. The manta ray is jumping out of a spray of transparent pieces using a similar technique. Many different shades of blue, white and different transparent colors are used to recreate the color of the equatorial Pacific and the canoe's wake, making the whole thing feel more alive. You may even find a tropical fish jumping out of it's own little spray.

It was a lot of fun to design and develop this model, and I think if it were to be created it would be a great celebration of Polynesian history and culture as well as maritime exploration as a whole. Any comments or recommendations are very welcome! Thanks for looking and considering to back this project!