It is a shasha from the Batinah coast of Oman, made of bundles of palm fronds. As Bob points out, it is a simple and practical boat for a place with no timber. He also draws attention to the blades, which are attached to the oar shafts diagonally to reduce the twisting moment. A true 'diamond scull'.

The palm fronds used to be held together with palm ropes but nowadays polyprop has been substituted. Extra buoyancy is provided by strategically placed styrofoam. There is a good description of the boat here.
As elsewhere round the world, this interesting and characterful boat is being edged out by fibreglass things with outboards. Sigh.
1 comment:
Very interesting that you featured this paddle boat. This is ancient. This is witness to mans journey through the ages. What's the nationality of the boatman if you don't mind?
Post a Comment