SERK skin raft of Albania

[aukepalmhof]

Albania is the only country in Europe to employ rafts built of skins , and she is likewise the only country in Europe to show existing passengers-carrying rafts on one of her stamp issues.
This raft seen on the left half of the U.P.U. commemorative set of three stamps issued in 1950.
The three stamps have the same design only the value is different.
A mounted postman of 1874 is seen waiting at a river ferry for a raft which is being punted across the river towards him by a single ferryman.

From Aak to Zumbra a Dictionary of the world’s Watercraft give on this raft.

This goatskin raft used in Albania is named a ”serk” and used for ferrying on the Drin River.
A platform of interlaced sticks secured the inflated skins.
Usually guided by a person in a single skin, a “rick”.
A 4-skin raft would be ca, 1.5m long, beam 1.2m, Capacity 100 kg.
If she is still around in 2024 is doubtful, The internet is not mentioned her more.

Source: Watercraft Philately March-April 1956 page 26. and Internet.
Albania 1950 5/12L sg 532/534, Scott458/60