BULLOM CANOE

[aukepalmhof]

The canoe depict on this Sierra Leone stamps belongs to the Bullom tripe on the Bullom coast northwest of Freetown.
It is a well-built dugout canoe and used for fishing or transporting passengers or produce to Freetown.
May be steered by a rudder.
Propelled by spade-blade paddles or sail.
Employs a spritsail or a V-shaped sail (as seen on stamp), the sail is supported by two long pliant bamboo spars, stepped in the bow.
Crew 3-5.
Reported lengths 6.1-10.67m, widths 1.68-1.98m, draught 0.76 – 0.9m.

Inscription on the 5d stamp gives her as a “ballam canoe”.

Sierra Leone 1933 5d sg174, scott159 and 1956 1s sg217, scott202.

Source: Aak to Zumbra, a dictionary of the World’s Watercraft.