This is a Pomo tule (gīca’l) raft designed to hold one person. It is a raft, not a boat since it is not completely watertight, they are not quite as sturdy or seaworthy and can tip over relatively easy if the weight distribution becomes lopsided. The individual tule reeds are cut into approximately 1.5 foot long pieces before being bundled and bound by grapevine. The tule raft is long and narrow with an open top, similar to a canoe but the rim is much thicker. The prow of the raft is made by dovetailing the ends of the tule reeds and then tying it with dogbane cordage. Tule rafts come in many shapes and sizes, the one built here is in a peapod shape. They are propelled by a double-sided paddle.
Department:
Still and motion photography
Title:
Binding together the three bundles of the one-man boat. (Title Subject)