Africa’s oldest canoe goes on exhibition in Nigeria

The 8,500-year-old Dufuna canoe, believed to be the oldest in Africa and third oldest in the world’s watercraft, is set for public viewing in Nigeria.

The canoe, which has undergone various stages of conservation, is now in the final stage of treatment before the exhibition in Nigeria. Sources close to Nigeriamaritime360.com revealed.

Although a date has not been set for the public unveiling, local officials said the canoe, made from black African mahogany, is considered to have huge benefits for the nation’s economy during and after its first public exhibition.

Mohammed Abare, Permanent Secretary, Domestic Affairs, Yobe State, said that, the canoe has rich potentialities for international tourism and academic research.
The canoe was discovered in Dufuna, Yobe State in 1987.

The canoe, which measure eight meters in length, 0.5 meters in width and 5.5 meters thick, was designated a national monument in 2014.

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