Indigenous reed boat on Lake Titicaca, Bolivia
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Indigenous reed boat on Lake Titicaca, Bolivia
Totora reeds have been used by various pre-Columbian South American civilizations to build reed boats. The boats, called balsa, vary in size from small fishing canoes to thirty meters long. They are still used on Lake Titicaca (as seen here), located on the border of Peru and Bolivia. Date: circa 1910s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 7249553
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10578257
Bolivia Bolivian Columbian Peoples Population Reed Reeds Sail Titicaca Balsa Totora
EDITORS COMMENTS
Amidst the tranquil waters of Lake Titicaca, located on the border between Bolivia and Peru, an Indigenous reed boat, known as a balsa, glides gracefully. This traditional watercraft, a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of pre-Columbian South American civilizations, has been skillfully crafted using the abundant totora reeds that thrive in the lake's shallow waters. The balsa boats, which vary in size from small fishing canoes to impressive thirty-meter long vessels, have been a vital means of transportation for the local populations for centuries. The reeds, which are harvested sustainably, provide not only the structural material for the boats but also serve as insulation, keeping the boats warm during the chilly high-altitude lake winters. The Indigenous peoples of the Lake Titicaca region, who have lived in harmony with the lake and its resources for millennia, continue to use these reed boats for various purposes, including fishing, transportation, and tourism. The balsas are an essential part of their cultural heritage, reflecting their deep connection to the land and water. This photograph, taken in the 1910s, captures a moment in time when the use of these traditional reed boats remained an integral part of daily life on Lake Titicaca. Today, while modern boats and technologies have become more prevalent, the balsa boats continue to be cherished and celebrated as a symbol of the region's rich history and cultural identity.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
