Portugal, Finely Handcrafted 833 Silver Rabelo Boat

833 Silver Finely Handcrafted by WA Sarmento (jewlery shop) in Portugal boat Sculpture. Rabelo boats are traditional Portuguese wooden cargo boats used to transport people and goods along the Douro River. It is flat-bottomed, with a shallow draught, which was necessary to navigate the often shallow fast-flowing waters of the upper Douro prior to the construction of dams and locks from 1968 onwards. Native to the Douro region, it does not exist in any other place in the world. Its history is closely linked to the production and trade of port wine. Before the arrival of the railway, the rabelo was the fastest and the most efficient means of transport between the Douro Valley, where port wine is produced, and the city of Porto, where it was traded and exported worldwide. A long oar over the stern called espadela was used to manoeuvre the boat, by sailors standing up on a wooden structure called apégadas. From there, it was easier to control the boat as well as to check the water currents and unexpected obstacles. IMPORTANT: NO In-House Shipping, Please read our shipping terms for provider.

6.5 x 5 x 11 in
Condition Report: Excellent condition with minimal signs of wear. No damage noted. Condition report is provided as a courtesy, size & weight are approximate values. Absolute is not liable for errors & omissions.