Fishing vessel; River Teifi Coracle

Scale: 1:6. A model of a River Teifi coracle (Cardiganshire, South Wales) made of wood and calico. The model is pear-shaped in plan view with a thwart at its narrowest point supported by ten posts attached to the floor of the hull by a single plank. The bow is wider than the stern. The gunwale is made of wicker and the frame is made from interlaced lengths of split ash. The frame has been covered in calico and tarred. The thwart has attached to it a long rope carrying strap and on the underside of the hull is a long piece of wire fixed at three points to the bow and port and starboard stern quarters with a loop in the centre. The model is equipped with a single paddle.

The model is based on a prototype in the National Museum, Cardiff. Vessels of this type were used in pairs for net salmon fishing. The vertical posts under the thwart also assist in preventing caught salmon from getting under the feet of the paddler. In 1981 only 12 of these vessels were known to be operating.

Object Details

ID: AAE0171
Collection: Ship models
Type: Full hull model
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Places: River Teifi
Date made: Unknown
People: Craine, J. H.
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London. Caird Fund.
Measurements: Overall: 115 mm x 285 mm x 210 mm
Parts: Fishing vessel; River Teifi Coracle