Defining the construction characteristics of indigenous boats of the Philippines: the impact of technical change pre and post colonisation

Abstract

The thesis reviews the key construction characteristics of traditional vessels used by the inhabitants of the Philippines at the time of European colonisation in the sixteenth century. These included the use of carved rather than sawn wood, the use of outriggers, and the utilisation of dowel technology and the lashed lug technique to maintain hull stability. The social context of the local maritime culture is analysed, as is the relationship between the Philippine communities and the sea.

Prior to colonisation, the Philippines were involved in a trading network with other parts of Southeast Asia and particularly China. This thesis will review evidence of the interplay between indigenous technology and external influences from other parts of Asia. After colonisation the Spanish began the construction of European-style vessels using Philippine resources. The impact of this experience on traditional boat-building is traced.

The methodology used is an analysis of the relevant maritime archaeological sites and museum collections in the Philippines. This is complemented by an analysis of historical accounts by visitors, priests and colonial officials. The results incorporate the ethnographic studies of traditional boats still in use, carried out by the author. A tour of Southeast Asian sites was undertaken to put the Philippine results in context. The integration of the traditional style of boat building and imported technology to produce the modern Philippine banca is reviewed.

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ORCID for Julian Whitewright: orcid.org/0000-0002-3548-0978

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