Dalca Kawesqar

3D Model

The dalcas are usually associated with the Chonos, but were also used by the Kawésqar. It was taken to Sweden by Carl Skottsberg, after an expedition to the Magallanes Region 1907-1909 in Chile. Currently there are only two specimens, both collected by Skottsberg in Puerto Grappler. One is now in Stockholm and the other in Gothenburg. Both are made of five boards, the middle one being about the same width throughout and folded up at the bow and stern. Each board is slightly cupped inside; the underside has two straight parallel raised portions near the edges, which project far enough to protect the plank moorings when vessels are beached or transported. The dalca has rectangular holes cut with an iron chisel, this is significant, as there are no records of the use of drills by the Kawésqar, and none appear in archaeological material. (Bird,1946:67).