Dhow Making
Dhows in harbour at the start of the
pearling season, 1924/1342 H
Dhows have been built in the same way for thousands of years by master craftsmen who use simple tools and judge everything by eye.
The keel is laid first, then the planking for the hull. The ribs are added last. Teak planks laid edge-to-edge are sewn together with coconut fibre or secured with wooden dowls.
Today, iron nails may be used. The completed hull is made waterproof by pushing string soaked in fish-oil into the joints.
Carpenter's equipment for making dhows
Carpenter’s equipment for making wooden dhows:
- Bow Drill
- Plane
- Chisel
- Saw
- Rasp
- Water pot