Modeling Saint Columba's currach

摘要

In 563 AD an abbot named Columba (521 -597 AD) left Ireland in self-exile with twelve companions aboard a large ocean-going currach. He eventually settled on the island of Iona off the coast of Scotland where he founded an abbey to bring Celtic Christianity to the pagan Picts and Scots of the region. Inspired by the historical importance of Saint Columba, I set about creating the model described here, another in my series of models depicting small open boats of historic significance. A currach (or curragh or naomhog) is a type of Irish boat that traditionally consisted of a wooden frame over which animal skins or hides were stretched, resulting in a sturdy, light and versatile vessel. The wooden frame consisted of a lattice-like structure of ribs, or hoops, and longitudinal stringers attached to a robust double gunwale, the main source of strength for a currach. The thwarts were attached to the lower gunwale and provided additional strength and stability.