Description
The Dufuna Canoe exhibit in Yobe State, Nigeria, showcases an 8,000-year-old ancient dugout canoe discovered in 1987 by a Fulani cattle herdsman in Dufuna village. This remarkable artifact is recognized as the oldest watercraft in Africa and the second-oldest worldwide, providing valuable insights into early African maritime history and the technological ingenuity of ancient societies.
Gallery
Things to Note
Here are few things to note about Dufuna Canoe Exhibit:
- Size: Measures 8.4 meters in length, 0.5 meters in width, and 5 cm in thickness
- Material: Crafted from African mahogany using stone-age tools
- Significance: Demonstrates advanced technology and boat-making skills of ancient Africans, shedding light on early watercraft technology and human transportation
- Current Location: Preserved and exhibited at a Museum complex in Damaturu, Yobe State capital, built by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM)
- Age: Estimated to be around 8,000 years old, dating back to the Neolithic Age.
Preservation Efforts:
The Yobe State government, in collaboration with the Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency (AMDIE), is working to preserve the Dufuna Canoe and develop it into a prominent tourist attraction. Plans include creating a dedicated museum or visitor center near the canoe site, showcasing its history and significance.