Learn Dhow Shipbuilding from the Masters

Dhows are traditional sailing vessels with one to three single masts featuring large trapezoidal sails. The term does not refer to a specific ship type but encompasses a whole family of different vessels, ranging from small single-masted boats to 200-ton cargo-carrying transport ships.

Dhow builders from Zanzibar are well-known throughout the Indian Ocean for their excellent craftsmanship. They construct Dhows on a made-to-order basis, requiring anywhere from 2 weeks to 4 months, depending on the size of the ship.

In Nungwi, you have the opportunity to participate in the construction of a Dhow and learn everything about the building process of these traditional ships. Mr. Mponda, an experienced Dhow builder who acquired his traditional knowledge from his father (the family has been building Dhows for generations), provides two hours of daily instruction in Dhow construction in English. During the remaining hours, you can observe and assist the craftsmen.

The Historic Mode of Transportation in the Indian Ocean

There is no clear origin of Dhows, but it is suspected that these wooden ships were navigating between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf, as well as across the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and the Gulf of Bengal over 2000 years ago. Utilizing the monsoon winds, they facilitated crucial trade relationships and cultural exchanges among the coastal states. The blended culture of the Swahili Coast of East Africa, influenced by Arabia, Persia, India, and Sub-Saharan Africa, owes much to the exchange made possible by Dhows.

Even today, Dhows remain a prominent sight in the ports of the Indian Ocean. In places like "Dubai Creek," the old-fashioned wooden ships, where each piece of cargo is unloaded individually by carriers, beautifully contrast with the glittering high-tech facades of the glass skyscrapers behind. They are popular as transport, fishing, and excursion vessels in Goa, Zanzibar, Dubai, Oman, Kerala, Mozambique, and other coastal regions of the Arabian Sea.

The Characteristic Construction of Dhows

Apart from their traditional design, one remarkable aspect of Dhows is that they are still crafted entirely by hand. This is done without construction plans and modern tools, following centuries-old construction methods. For smaller Dhows, not even nails are often used; instead, the ship planks and outer hull boards are held together with fibers and flexible wood like canes. This building practice was once a common method worldwide in shipbuilding until the 15th century, known as "sewn boats." In this technique, construction begins with the outer hull instead of a supporting frame. The outer hull is carefully shaped, and then the various sections are "sewn" together. Only afterward is an internal frame added for strength.

Not only did Marco Polo express amazement in his travel records about the durability of "sewn" ships, but travelers from the early 20th century also reported their admiration for Dhows, reliably transporting tons of cargo to their destinations. However, larger Dhows may adopt European shipbuilding techniques, such as square sterns, characteristic of Portuguese ships from Vasco da Gama's time.

It is assumed that in earlier times, masts were crafted from coconut wood and other available wood types, while sails were likely woven from palm leaves and later probably from cotton fabric originating from India. Two main sails were taken on long journeys: one for overnight and inclement weather and the other for daytime and good weather.

You will have private lessons (including small groups) in Mr. Mponda's skill for a minimum of two hours daily, Monday to Friday. During the remaining hours of the day, you can observe and assist the craftsmen.