So @michael_fj and I's visit to the @FijiMuseum went really well. Huge shoutout to Jeremiah Veisa who was our guide who got us both the permission and guided us in to view the Drua in all its glory. Below are some photos and anecdotes we learned along the way.
The @FijiMuseum is currently closed as it undergoes extensive renovations. A timeline for opening was perhaps next year. Things were being shifted around & the Drua was no exception. We were lucky to view it before it was due to be taken apart and moved in the near future. 
While @michael_fj was furiously taking photos of the Drua from every conceivable angle, Mr Veisa and I were chatting about various aspects of the Drua. For example, the cowie shells decorating the Drua signified the high status of the owner i.e. a Chief.
On the side of the hut on the Drua was a rack where spears were hung. 'Fishing or warfare?' I asked. '...both?' Jeremiah raised an eyebrow. 'Perhaps these are fishing spears, since they're barbed at the end' pointed out @michael_fj 'Oooooooooh perhaps' we all nodded.
On the deck of the Drua, there were these funny shaped holes that Jeremiah wasn't sure what they were for. Take note, because we'll get back to this later.
The Oar, or the 'Uli' was attached on the side, at least for this version of the Drua. Good to know!
Beside the full sized Drua was a miniature sized version, that helpfully had the rigging on display. This was great, as the full sized version did not have its sail rigged up. Closer examination of the magimagi ropes showed extensive knots and pathways for the rope to go through.
Underneath the Drua were some poles, laid out parallel to the hull. 'These are the poles that were used to propel the Drua through shallow waters' said Jeremiah.
A hatch that led to the hull. The description of the larger, 35+ meter versions of the Drua mentioned that 'a man could stand inside the hull of the Drua and his head would still not reach the top.' That was definitely huge.
Some close ups of the Drua.
'So does the Drua have an anchor?' asked @michael_fj But of course it would, but my landlubber ass did not think to ask. Thanks Mike! Jeremiah helpfully pointed it out at the back, snuggled behind the hull. A rock with a hole carved through it to run the rope through.
Having satisfied @michael_fj 's need for accurate reference, we headed to the archives to have a chat with Jeremiah about other aspects of the Drua. He motioned us to wait at the table and he disappeared. When he showed up, he gingerly laid out this on the table.
Man. This. This was what we came for. A super detailed, nuts and bolts detailed....blueprint! As best as any blueprint could manage to reproduce of a Drua as any. We looked at each other. 'Woah.' Then we excitedly spoke at the same time - 'The details!' 'The names!'
#Teamfiji and all my Pacific brothers and sisters interested in anything err boat-building like, check it ooooout! I nervously asked Jeremiah, 'Is this thing like uhh like secret?' He laughed, 'Noooo of course not!' 'So can I like, share it online?' 'Go ahead!' 😂😂😂
While we were excitedly pouring over the details, @michael_fj pointed to the weird shaped hole on the deck. 'Look - C - Sculling holes. What's that?' We both looked at Jeremiah, who shrugged and quickly pulled out his phone to ask Google.
'Ahhh it's to use an oar to pull the boat through the water...hey,' @michael_fj squinted. 'Remember those oars underneath the boat? They put those THROUGH the sculling holes on the deck to row the boat!' 'Woooooah,' I grinned, 'guess we all learning something new today eh.' 😅
Here's the description of the display beside the Drua.
As we finished up, thanking Jeremiah profusely for his invaluable help on our research trip, he nonchalantly pointed to a book on the table. 'By the way, crewmen climbed the domodomo (mast) to set the rigging. Also the crew of 40 people, that's them in action. Rowing.' Hot damn.
Again, a huge vinaka vakalevu to the @FijiMuseum & Jeremiah Veisa for their amazing help in our endeavour to learn more about how awesome Fijians were at building the Drua & cruising the Pacific Ocean. I've learnt a lot and hope to incorporate much of it into my animated short.
