The “BBARKA” of Lake Bolsena
One of the three wooden fishing boats on display in the museum is the so-called “bbarka” of Lake Bolsena, a traditional vessel of the local fishermen, an example built by the lake’s last master carpenter, Luigi Papini.
It is made entirely of mahogany wood, triangular in shape with a flat bottom and with ribs of olive branches that, through their bending, allow the bottom to connect to the hull. The bow is slightly higher than the bottom, while the stern is much higher. It has two seats, both near the bow. The peculiarity of this boat’s propulsion lies in the asymmetry of the two oars: with the left hand you maneuver the oar with a straight blade, and with the right you operate the so-called rudder-oar, with a slightly curved blade, fixed to the stern thwart, which provides the steering for navigation.
Bibliography:
- A.Sciancalepore, Il lago di Bolsena in epoca Moderna, Scheda 10, in Schede di sala, Bolsena 2010
