* "Tuhunga" is a complex term: It can refer to a variety of experts in traditional Māori knowledge, from navigation to healing, carving to astronomy. There isn't one single "tohunga" for a whole waka (canoe) like Mataatua.
* Mataatua has a long history: The waka Mataatua was built and used over a thousand years ago. It's impossible to know the specific names and roles of all the experts who contributed to its construction and use.
* Traditional knowledge is passed down orally: Much of the knowledge about Mataatua is preserved in oral traditions, which aren't easily documented or pinpointed to specific individuals.
However, we can say that the construction of Mataatua required the expertise of many skilled individuals:
* Carvers: They shaped the hull of the waka and its intricate decorations.
* Navigators: They possessed knowledge of the stars, currents, and winds to guide the waka across the vast ocean.
* Builders: They assembled the waka, using traditional techniques and materials.
* Spiritual leaders: They would have played a role in blessing the waka and ensuring its safe journey.
To learn more about the expertise involved in building and navigating Mataatua, you could research:
* Māori oral traditions: These hold valuable information about the waka and its builders.
* Scholarly studies: There are books and articles by Māori historians and anthropologists who have researched the waka Mataatua.
* Museums and cultural centres: Many museums and cultural centers in New Zealand have exhibits about Mataatua and its history.
By exploring these resources, you can gain a deeper understanding of the skills and knowledge that were crucial to the creation and journey of this important waka.