.jpg)
Caracoa Boat Model
Amorsolo Tuason, 1967-1974
The caracoa, or karakoa, was a pre-colonial Philippine maritime vessel distinguished by its crescent shape. Primarily used as a warship, though sometimes for trade, it played a central role in the political and economic life of seafaring societies, especially for sea raiding—a common practice in maritime Southeast Asia for plunder, capturing slaves, or finding brides.
European chroniclers praised the caracoa’s agility, comparing it to birds in flight. During Spanish colonial rule, these ships often raided European trade ships, prompting a campaign to subdue them. Similar vessels, such as the kora-kora of Maluku, Indonesia, highlight regional connections.
Much of the historical narrative on the caracoa is Eurocentric, framing it as piracy, yet it underscores the complex role of slave trading in the power dynamics of pre-Hispanic Philippine polities. This nuance is essential for current and future discourse.
Catalogue Number: HI-74-143
Material: Wooden model with mixed media.
Dimensions: Height 106 cm, Length 162 cm, Width 79 cm