Tangaroa Pacific Voyage Preparing the Raft Construction in progress of the Tangaroa at the navy shipyard at Callao, Peru. The skeleton platform shows the balsa logs, cross beams, bamboo flooring, and cabin prior to laying down the "totora" reed on deck, which had been specially made by Indians living at Lake Titicaca. Sisal hemp was used to tie everything together. Note the tall wooden guara (centerboard) in the lower right corner of the raft. Skillful use of the guaras-by raising and lowering these boards-enabled the crew to steer the raft against strong winds and currents. Photo by: Anders Berg/Tangaroa _____ Back to Index AI 14.4
(Winter 2006) |