Making the dug-out canoe

Palm beach, Mangochi District (Then)
Nkhata Bay, Nkhata Bay District (Now)
(Africa-Malawi)

The dug-out canoe is important not only for a means of fishery but also a means of everyday transportation. Children naturally learn how to navigate the canoe when they become 5 to 6 years old. Carving the canoe with only an adz has not changed. It takes about a month for to carve a small boat. Since amount of big trees for canoes decreased, it is impossible to make a big canoe today. Popularization of offshore fishery is encouraging increase of the structural boats with an engine. (Y. Kada)