Creating a Canoe: Papua New Guinea

Creating a Canoe: Papua New Guinea (1 min read)

Dugout canoes, or "dugouts," are a boat made from a hollowed out tree trunk. They are the oldest type of boat that archaeologists have ever found, and this amazing video showcases the traditional way that they are made by Papua New Guinean locals. Dugouts are used for many purposes whilst traversing water, from transportation to hunting and fishing. Larger dugout canoes are made from whole mature trees, and have outriggers attached for extra stability. Historically, large canoes from the Pacific Islands can carry between 40 and 80 people, however the smaller canoe you see here is more common and can fit 2-3 people. These boats are the main transport of choice for the remote waterways of PNG, ranging in size from a single person canoe to one that can hold an entire family. Some of these dugouts are even fitted with motors to speed up the journey! You may even see some beautiful carvings on dugouts of patterns, masks and even crocodiles. Check out this video of a friend of mine crafting this beautiful rosewood dugout canoe!