Dau la mwao(mataruma). East Africa

[Anatol]

Bajun -built dau found mostly between Lamu in Kenya and Kismaayo in Somalia, but also occurs in harbor areas to the south and on northern Zanzibar Island. Plank-built with ribs; flat floors. Sharp raking bow and stern, with heavy stem and sternpost. Usually bossed oculi forward.Short deck at bow and stern. Large rudder, ornament¬ed and carved, angles downward at bottom and at head, and curves partly over the sternpost; tiller slants upward. Forward-raking mast supported against the mast beam. Yard in one piece, often of bamboo. Lateen sail tacks to bowsprit. May also be rowed or poled. Crew varies from 2-6, depending on mission. Maximum length ca. 9m. Designation may relate to the occupation the boat is engaged in at the time, e.g., called dau la tata when tending fish traps; dau la mti or dau la kuni when collecting firewood.

Kenya 1986;5s;SG396.
Source : A Dictionary of the world’s Watercraft from Aak to Zumbra.