Logboats of Coqui: an ethnohistoric and ethnographic approach to material culture, cultural identity and adaptation

Clara Fuquen Gomez supervised by Dr Jon Adams

The logboats of the northern Pacific coast of Colombia are characteristic of the Chocó region. They constitute an essential part of the material culture of the communities living in this territory. The seagoing boats, predominantly built by the indigenous Emberá-Wounán, are being used almost exclusively by coastal afro-descendant communities. This research looks into the role of these boats in the community of Coqui, along the coast of Chocó, using a combination of ethnographic and ethnohistorical methodologies. From the research undertaken thus far, it appears that these logboats represent a link between individuals and groups, as well as embodying ethnic identities and social practices. They represent a material dimension that entangles processes of cultural change and adaptation for both indigenous and afro-descendant communities. Furthermore, this research provides an opportunity to explore alternative boat-recording techniques, such as photogrammetry and different ways to visualise the technological aspects of this material.