The Changing Patterns Of The Boat Regatta As
Maritime Heritage In Nigeria
Author(s)
W. Nzeda Tagowa
Abstract
The boat regatta has been part of the maritime heritage of the delta and riverine
peoples of Nigeria. It represents the cultural heritage usually presented in
ceremonies of colourful events that bring together large fleets of decorated
canoes with flags and buntings, displayed by artistic paddlers who exercise skills
and dexterity. The boat regatta practice was fashioned by the coastal and riverine
peoples of Nigeria as a means of protecting and drawing sustenance from the
environment through the use of watercrafts to defend creeks and territorial
waters. In addition, the regatta tradition and festivals were developed to celebrate
victories in wars and trade during the pre-colonial periods. Over the years, the
practice has changed to serve recreational, tourism and transport purposes. This
paper historically analyses the changing patterns of boat regatta as practiced
among coastal and riverine communities in Nigeria. It highlights the designs,
usages, innovations and adaptations that broaden the scope of the social activity
in relation to tourism and maritime transport in Nigeria. The paper produces
documentary strategy for advancing developmental initiatives that would
integrate maritime heritage activities with tourism and maritime transport. The
paper concludes that there is a dichotomy between maritime heritage activities
and the administration of maritime transport and tourism in Nigeria. This can be
reversed through suitable legislation and development of the right attitude
towards maritime heritage recreational activities.
Keywords: boat regatta, maritime heritage, cultural and recreational activity,
coastal and riverine community, tourism, maritime transport.
Keywords
boat regatta, maritime heritage, cultural and recreational activity,
coastal and riverine community, tourism, maritime transport.
Related Book
Other papers in this volume
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