Venice masks

Friday, 12 May 2017

The skillful master fisherman - Anonymous Tuvalu native

The skillful master fisherman with his noose!
When he stands in his canoe opposite the houses on the shore,
He measures the line of his fishing pole with its noose.
He fishes confidently, his hand on his noose.

Anonymous Tuvalu native (19th century) Tuvalu
Translated by Guy Slatter and Gerd Koch
Source: Songs of Tuvlau by Gerd Koch, University of the South Pacific, 2000
Song composed in honour of tautai (expert fisherman) Vavau from the Tuvalu island of Niutao

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