In Dominica, modern Kalinago utilize the gommier (Dacryodes excelsa) from the Bursera family (Burseraceae) to manufacture canoes. This was the primary tree that was exploited for canoes in the early 20th century in Dominica and a fragment of a gommier canoe that washed on the shore of Mona Island was observed in 1953.
The 8c stamp shows Caribs making canoes from gommier – a Caribbean tree (Pachylobus excelsa) of the family Burseraceae that exudes a gum resembling incense. The tree trunk is hollowed by using an adze (an ancient and versatile cutting tool similar to an axe but with the cutting edge perpendicular to the handle rather than parallel) and by burning. A plan is usually added on each side to give more freeboard.
Details
- Designer: S Scott
- Printer: Harrison & Sons Ltd.
- Process: Photogravure
- Paper:
- Watermark: St Edwards Crown C.A. Block (Upright)
- Perf: 14.5 x 14
- Cylinders: 1A (Brown), 1A (Green), 1A (Grey)
- Sheet: R5 x 10
- Quantity:
References
- Canoe Societies in the Caribbran: Ethnography, Archaeology, and Ecology of Pre-Colonial Canoe Manufacturing and Voyaging (PDF) – Isaac Shearn
