Jambo world!
Every build begins before the wood is cut. I was able to see this in full and I believe it forever changed me! It was such a spiritually heightened experience. It felt more initiatory than anything.
Before the tools touch the wood.
Before the dhow (ship) officially knows its name.
It begins with prayer in kiswahili.
A couple days ago marked the start of A goat (breaking of the bread) prayer ceremony. Broke bread with the fundis and stories.
Hands touching food, earth, lineage. A moment to ask permission from the ancestors and from the sea itself. I could feel the breeze of the ocean gently stroke my face. The wind hurling in from the Somalian coast!
The dhow beyond the vessel. She is memory in motion. Trade, migration, survival, story. A body that knows how to cross water because her ancestors been there! Done this and that!
During the build, shark oil is offered rubbed into the wood as both protection for the dhow itself and blessing. Shark oil carries endurance, instinct, and ancient navigation.
The oil seals the wood, yes but it also seals intention. I find it so interesting to see how spiritually is so intertwined with the culture. Yes pre colonialism this was how we lived. But when religion and other forced beliefs took over most times these practices were deemed as demonic.
As the build begins, I find myself learning more Swahili not from books, but from being present. From listening. From repetition. From laughter when I say something slightly wrong and am gently corrected.
I’m always nervous at first to speak a new language but lately I’ve been reminding myself that even though it’s new for me…we can make this fun too!
Language, like ship-building, is learned by doing.
By showing up.
Pole pole.
Slowly, slowly.
This dhow will take time. As it should. Anything meant to carry lives, stories, and futures must be built with patience and some of Fatima’s good home cooking! HA!
I’m witnessing what it means to build with the land, not over it. To begin not with ownership, but with gratitude. To remember that creation is a communal act.
This is how you start something that lasts.
Breaking bread. Intention, Oil,
With words learned one syllable at a time. Kidogo
And so, the dhow begins.
And so do I. Yet again….. ⚓️