Model, of dug-out canoe

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This wooden model is of a dugout canoe which would have been in use in West Africa around 1900. The model is built to a scale of 1:12, making the original about 9 metres in length.

The boat is hollowed out from a single log which increases its buoyancy and stability as well as creating a carrying space. The outside of the model is carved all over with geometric patterns.

The wooden dug-out canoe was the most widespread type of traditional watercraft in Africa. Small dug-outs were used for fishing while larger ones traded on the rivers and inland lakes and were used for short coastal trips.

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• Online ID: 000-180-002-043-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1938.60
• Date: Model: Between 1900 and 1938; Original: Around 1900
  
• Material: Native dugout / model
  
• Dimensions: 30.00" L x 4.00" x 2.50" deep
  
• What: Native dugout / model
  
• Subject: 23. SHIPPING, Native Craft (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who:
• Where:
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• Description: Model of a native dugout carved all over on the outside with geometric patterns
  
• References:
  • Idiens, Dale. Ethnographic Boat Models in the Royal Scottish Museum. Edinburgh: A catalogue of traditional watercraft from Africa, Asia, the Pacific and the Americas. Edinburgh: Royal Scottish Museum Information Series, 1984, p 1. 
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