STUDENTS are trying to make a prehistoric-style canoe.
Archaeology students from Durham University hope to construct a dugout canoe based on examples discovered from the Mesolithic era, from around 10,000 to 5,000 BC.
They have taken delivery of a lime log at Durham’s Botanic Garden, stripped the bark and begun fashioning the vessel.
Yesterday (Saturday, November 15), they took part in an open day, inviting members of the public to see them at work and ask questions.
A spokesman said it was arguably the university’s most ambitious experimental archaeology project to date.
It is hoped the canoe will be finished by Christmas and will help archaeologists learn more about boat use and seafaring in the Mesolithic period.
“The creation of such a boat allows for the construction team to gain a unique, hands-on experience of the challenges our ancestors faced when building one of their primary means of transport,” a spokesman said.
“The project also hopes to provide a physical representation of how these impressive artefacts looked, felt and worked for the benefit of academics and the public alike.”
To keep up to date with the project, visit facebook.com/durham.university.experimental.dugout.canoe
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