Kora Kora

A kora-kora or kora kora or coracora is a traditional canoe from the Maluku (Moluccas) Islands, Indonesia. It was approximately ten metres long and very narrownl|icon [http://www.nationaalarchief.nl/AMH/detail.aspx?page=dafb&lang=nl&id=5968 National archive] ] , quite open, very low, and weighs about four tons [http://www.authorama.com/malay-archipelago-2-4.html Authorama] ] . It had outriggers of bamboo about five feet off each side, which supported a bamboo platform extending the whole length of the vessel. On the extreme outside of this sit the twenty rowers (overall it needs 40 paddlers) [http://www.iol.ie/~spice/mayquest.htm Spice Islands voyage] ] , while within was a convenient passage fore and aft. The middle portion of the boat is covered with a thatch-house, in which baggage and passengers are stowed. The gunwale was not more than a foot above water, and from the great top and side weight. The shape of the boat itself is similar to a Chinese Dragon Boat.

This boat is used for both trade and warfare. Bigger kora-koras were used as war vessels during the war with the Dutch in the Banda Islands during the 17^th century. Since ancient times the steerer and paddlers of these traditional Moluccan rowing boats yelled 'Mena Muria', to syncronise their strokes during off shore expeditions. This literally means 'Front - Back', but is also translated to 'I go - We follow' or 'One for all - All for One'.

Some of the bigger rowing boats could have over a 100 rowers and when used on the maritime war path, during for instance a so called 'hongitocht' (war expeditions for the VOC during the 17th century), the approach of the 'kora kora' struck fear in the hearts of the villagers from the attacked coastel village. [http://home.planet.nl/~eljee/H.htm Dutch language list with historical definitions and anecdotes]

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