Kalinago Territory, Dominica (TDN) Phase two of the construction of a second traditional Kalinago dugout canoe or kanawa is now underway in Dominica. Earlier in May, a team of 12 persons from the K’nawa Association of Guadeloupe joined the team of six Kalinago naval carpenters to transport the dugout from the forests of Syndicate to the seashore at Glanvillia.
The first phase which lasted 23 days involved felling and hollowing out a gommier tree resulting in a basic 48 foot long dugout.
The second phase involves completing the canoe for launching at sea. This phase involves widening the dugout using traditional techniques, adding gommier planks known as ‘bodaj’, wooden ribs, seating and various aesthetic embellishments.
Construction is expected to be finished before the end of July 2015. A launching ceremony is planned for July 24. On July 26, the kanawa will set sail for Marie Galante and then to Guadeloupe.
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