Large war canoes, some carrying dozens of paddlers and mounted with small cannon, were built and maintained by the “canoe house” trading institutions of Niger Delta city-states such as Bonny and Calabar. These vessels were used for both trade escort and coastal raiding along the West African coast during the era of Atlantic maritime commerce.
Quick Facts
| Ship Class | Warship, Oar-powered |
|---|---|
| Era Used | 18th-19th century |
| Typical Crew | 40-100 paddlers plus warriors |
| Guns / Cannons | swivel guns and small cannon on larger examples |
| Speed / Handling | Fast under paddle |
| Notable Use | Associated with the "canoe house" trading and raiding institutions of Bonny and Calabar |
Learn More
As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.