Indonesia · Woodworking / Boat Building
Pembuatan Kora-Kora
The Kora-Kora is the traditional multi-oared war and ceremonial canoe of the Maluku (Moluccas) archipelago — historically the primary naval vessel of the Maluku Sultanates and the instrument of the spice trade wars that shaped global history from the 15th century onward. A fully crewed Kora-Kora carried 50–100 oarsmen seated in outrigger platforms extending from a central hull — the resulting vessel was extraordinarily fast and maneuverable in the shallow waters between Maluku's volcanic islands. The boat-building tradition uses locally sourced hardwood (kayu besi — ironwood, and other Maluku species) shaped entirely by hand tools, with construction knowledge held by specialist builders in specific villages. The Kora-Kora is no longer built for warfare but is constructed for the annual Kora-Kora festival in Banda Neira and for cultural ceremonies in Ternate, Tidore, and surrounding islands.
Risk level: Critically Endangered · Not inscribed; Kora-Kora festival on Indonesian national ICH list
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