Peata
The peata (also known as the piatta) is the largest of all traditional Venetian cargo boats. It was used throughout Venice to transport a wide range of large, bulky materials, particularly those needed for construction. It was designed to hold items ranging from 100 to 800 pounds (45 kilograms to 363 kilograms). A peata is typically around 16 meters in length and is usually manned by two oarsmen, but can be rowed by as many as 16. The manner in which this boat is propelled is what makes the peata truly special. Instead of rowing with a bladed oar, which utilizes the water to move the boat forward, the oarsmen stand on the boat and push the oar against the bottom of the canal. They propel the boat by walking slowly from one end of the boat to the other.
Damage and Preservation
For information pertaining to the damage of traditional Venetian boats, please see the Damage to public art page.
For information pertaining to the preservation of traditional Venetian boats, please see the Restoration and preservation of public art page.
External Links
References
- The Boats of Venice. Venezia: Libreria Editrice, 1999. Print.
- Bigda, Bryan, Michelle Dubuke, Daniel LaTorella, and Jennifer Richards. Museo Arzanà: Preserving the Traditional Boats of Venice. Interactive Qualifying Project, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 2007.
- Candlish, Sean, Craig Shevlin, and Sarah Stout. The Traditional Boats of Venice: Assessing a Maritime Heritage. Interactive Qualifying Project, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 2004.
- Catalano, Brian, Kristen Gervais, and Ryan Sinapius. Preserving the Nautical Traditions and Maritime Heritage of Venice, Italy. Interactive Qualifying Project, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 2005.
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