Continuing commitments · Canoe carvers
Skills carried
from one generation
to the next.
Supporting canoe carvers in Yap.
Canoe carving is practical knowledge, learned through work alongside experienced hands. Habele continues to support canoe carvers and the communities keeping these skills in use.
A story from this work · January 2025
Caring for canoes.
Sharing knowledge.
In January 2025, Habele reported on the Yap Traditional Navigation Society’s efforts to preserve traditional canoes. The work included carefully dismantling, labeling, and storing canoe components. Habele was among the partners supporting that effort.
The story shows the care and practical knowledge involved in keeping canoes—and the skills surrounding them—part of island life.
From Habele’s history
Tools shaped by use.
Earlier work brought carvers and toolmakers together to develop adze blades suited to island canoe building. That project remains part of Habele’s history.
Keep exploring
Living skills.
Useful references.
Learn about the tools at our sister nonprofit, Habele Institute, or explore canoes and navigation with the island organization Waa’gey.
See all of Habele’s current work · Our story and past projects