Work

Building a Ngalawa Double-Outrigger Logboat in Bagamoyo, Tanzania: A Craftsman at his Work

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: This article documents master logboat-builder Alalae Mohamed’s construction of a ngalawa fishing vessel in Bagamoyo, Tanzania. The ngalawa is an extended logboat with double outrigger and lateen sail used by low-income, artisanal fishers. It is the most common marine vessel type of the East African coast. This article follows the construction process from Alalae’s selection and the felling of the tree(s) to the launching of the vessel. It outlines the tools and materials used, details the sequence he followed, and presents his choices and considerations made along the way. It is accompanied by a documentary film recording the construction process, a 3D digital model of the vessel and detailed construction drawings.

Source: The International Journal of Nautical Archaeology

DOI: 10.1080/10572414.2021.2018243

Authors: Elgidius B. Ichumbaki, John P. Cooper, Philip C.M. Maligisu, Sinyati R. Mark, Lucy Blue, Thomas J. Biginagwa

Institutions: University of Dar es Salaam, University of Exeter, University of Southampton

Language: English

Topic: Maritime and Coastal Archaeology

Subfield: Archeology

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: Gerda Henkel Foundation, Economic and Social Research Council

Awards: G5647875483, G6016151344