DAHOMEY MAN POLING CANOE issue 1941

[aukepalmhof]

Dahomey issued 5 stamps which shows us a native poling a canoe, the stamps from 2/15c were issued in 1941 in 5 different colours in Dahomey.
Not much is known of this canoe, but an extract from the Journal of African history gives:

The canoe, carved and usually also burnt-out from a single tree trunk, played a part in the history of the coastal, lagoon and river-side peoples of West Africa similar in importance to that of the horse in the savannah states. It ranged in size from the small fishing canoe to craft over 80 ft. in length and capable of carrying, in calm waters, 100 men or more. Sails were often used, in addition to paddles and punt poles. The builders were specialists, usually living in the forests, where the most suitable trees were found.

Dahomey 1941 2/15c sg 122/126 scott113/117.