from West Africa

Model, of dug-out canoe

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:	0504: 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:
Dimensions:	30.00" L x 4.00" x 2.50" deep
What:	Native dugout / model
Subject:	23. SHIPPING, Native Craft (Departmental Classification)
Who:
Where:
Event:
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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