Asmat info
The People
Canoes
The coastal region, with its more sluggish and wide rivers have the advantage of tidal changes. This has encouraged the production of small,( 3-5 meters long and up to 16 meters long) dugout canoes. Previously used for wars and battle, these canoes are used today as a common means of transportation. The men paddle while standing and the women are usually seated.
In the low river areas of the footlands, near the Brazza-, the Dairam Hitam-, and the Dairam Kabur- rivers, small more maneuverable canoes are used.
Because of the fast river current, hard stones are a scarcity therefore making it difficult to hollow out canoes and thus leading to their loss of use in the area.
