# Karakoa

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***Karakoa*** were large [outrigger](/source/Outrigger) [warships](/source/Warship) from the [Philippines](/source/Philippines). They were used by native Filipinos, notably the Kapampangans and the Visayans, during seasonal sea raids. *Karakoa* were distinct from other traditional Philippine sailing vessels in that they were equipped with platforms for transporting warriors and for fighting at sea. During peacetime, they were also used as trading ships. Large *karakoa*, which could carry hundreds of rowers and warriors, were known as ***joangas*** (also spelled ***[juangas](/source/Juanga_(ship))***) by the Spanish.

[Panday Piray](/source/Panday_Pira) of Pampanga, Philippines, was also known for forging heavy bronze lantaka to be mounted on Lakan's (Naval Chief/Commander) ships called 'caracoas' doing battle against the Spanish invaders and cannons were also commissioned by [Rajah Sulayman](/source/Rajah_Sulayman) for the fortification of Maynila.

By the end of the 16th century, the Spanish denounced *karakoa* ship-building and its usage. It later led to a total ban of the ship and the traditions assigned to it. In recent years, the revitalization of *karakoa* ship-building and its usage are being pushed by some scholars from [Pampanga](/source/Pampanga).[citation needed]

## Etymology

*Karakoa* was usually spelled as "*caracoa*" during the Spanish period. The name and variants thereof (including *caracora*, *caracore*, *caracole*, *corcoa*, *cora-cora*, and *caracolle*) were used interchangeably with various other similar warships from [maritime Southeast Asia](/source/Maritime_Southeast_Asia), like the *[kora kora](/source/Kora_kora)* of the [Maluku Islands](/source/Maluku_Islands).[1][2]

The origin of the names are unknown. Some authors propose that it may have been derived from [Arabic](/source/Arabic_language) *qurqur* (pl. *qaraqir*) meaning "large merchant ship" via [Portuguese](/source/Portuguese_language) *caracca* ([carrack](/source/Carrack)). However, this is unlikely as the oldest Portuguese and Spanish sources never refer to it as "*caracca*", but rather "*coracora*", "*caracora*" or "*carcoa*". The Spanish historian [Antonio de Morga](/source/Antonio_de_Morga) explicitly says that the name *karakoa* is ancient and indigenous to the [Tagalog people](/source/Tagalog_people) in *Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas* (1609). There are also multiple cognates in the names of other vessels of Austronesian vessels (some with no contact with Arab traders) like the [Ivatan](/source/Ivatan_people) *[karakuhan](/source/Karakuhan)*, [Malay](/source/Malay_people) *[kolek](/source/Kolek_(boat))*, [Acehnese](/source/Acehnese_people) *kolay*, [Maluku](/source/Maluku_Islands) *[kora kora](/source/Kora_kora)*, [Banda](/source/Banda_Islands) *kolekole*, [Motu](/source/Motu_people) *kora*, and the [Marshallese](/source/Marshallese_people) *[korkor](/source/Korkor_(boat))*. Thus it is more likely that it is a true [Malayo-Polynesian](/source/Malayo-Polynesian) word and not a [loanword](/source/Loanword).[3]

## Description

*Karakoa* is a type of *[balangay](/source/Balangay)* (Philippine [lashed-lug](/source/Lashed-lug) plank boats).[3] It can be differentiated from other balangay in that they possessed raised decks (*[burulan](/source/Burulan)*) amidships and on the outriggers, as well as S-shaped outrigger spars. They also had sharply curved prows and sterns, giving the ships a characteristic [crescent](/source/Crescent) shape. Their design was also sleeker and faster than other *balangay*, even though *karakoa* were usually much larger. Like *balangay*, they can be used for both trade and war. Their main use, however, were as warships and troop transports during the traditional seasonal sea raids (*mangayaw*) or piracy (especially against European trade ships). They were estimated to have speeds of up to 12 to 15 knots.[4][5][6][7][8]

The Spanish priest [Francisco Combés](/source/Francisco_Comb%C3%A9s) described *karakoa* in great detail in 1667. He was also impressed by the speed and craftsmanship of the vessels, remarking:[9]

"That care and attention, which govern their boat-building, cause their ships to sail like birds, while ours are like lead in this regard."

— [Francisco Combés](/source/Francisco_Comb%C3%A9s), **Historia de las islas de Mindanao, Iolo y sus adyacentes* (1667)*

Like other [outrigger vessels](/source/Outrigger_canoe), *karakoa* had very shallow [drafts](/source/Draft_(hull)), allowing them to navigate right up to the shoreline. The hull was long and narrow and was made from lightweight materials. The entire vessel can be dragged ashore when not in use or to protect it from storms.[5][7][8]

The keel was essentially a [dugout](/source/Dugout_canoe) made from the single trunk of [hardwoods](/source/Hardwood) like *tugas* (*[Vitex parviflora](/source/Vitex_parviflora)*) or *tindalo* (*[Afzelia rhomboidea](/source/Afzelia_rhomboidea)*). [Strakes](/source/Strake) were built up along the sides of the keel, forming the hull. They were usually made from *lawaan* wood (*[Shorea](/source/Shorea)* spp.) and were tightly fitted to the keel and with each other by [dowels](/source/Dowel) reinforced further with fiber lashings (usually from [sugar palm](/source/Sugar_palm)) on carved lugs. Ribs for support and seating connected the strakes across, which were also lashed together with fiber. The use of dowels and lashings instead of nails made the hull flexible, able to absorb collisions with underwater objects that would have shattered more rigid hulls. Strongly curved planks were fitted at both ends of the keel, giving the ship a crescent-shaped profile. These were usually [elaborately carved](/source/Okir) into serpent or dragon (*[bakunawa](/source/Bakunawa)*) designs. Tall poles festooned with colorful feathers or banners were also affixed here, called the *sombol* (prow) and the *tongol* (stern).[note 1] The anterioposterior symmetry allowed the boat to reverse direction quickly by simply having the rowers turn around in their seats.[5][7][8]

*Karakoa* had tripod bamboo masts (two or three in larger vessels), rigged with either [crab-claw sails](/source/Crab-claw_sail) or rectangular [tanja sails](/source/Tanja_sail) (*lutaw*). The sails were traditionally made from woven plant fibers (like [nipa](/source/Nipa_palm)), but were later replaced with materials like [linen](/source/Linen). In addition to the sails, *karakoa* had a crew of rowers (usually *[uluhan](/source/Uluhan)* warriors from the *[alipin](/source/Alipin)* caste) with [paddles](/source/Paddle) (*bugsay*),[note 2] or [oars](/source/Oar) (*gaod* or *gaor*)[note 3] on either side of the hull. In between the rowers was an open space used as a passage for moving fore and aft of the ship. Various chants and songs kept the pace and rhythm of the rowers. Above the rowers was a distinctive raised platform (*[burulan](/source/Burulan)*) made of bamboo where warriors (*[timawa](/source/Timawa)*) and other passengers stood, so as to avoid interfering with the rowers. This platform can be covered by an awning of woven palm leaves (*kayang*, Spanish: *cayanes*) during hot days or when it rains, protecting the crew and cargo. *Karakoa* lacked a central [rudder](/source/Rudder) and was instead steered by [large oars](/source/Steering_oar) controlled by the *[nakhoda](/source/Nakhuda)* ([helmsman](/source/Helmsman)) seated in a covered structure near the back of the ship. These oars could be raised at a moment's notice to avoid obstructions like shallow reefs.[7][8]

The hull was connected to the outrigger structure, which was composed of the S-shaped crosswise outrigger spars (*tadik*) attached to the outrigger floats (*katig* or *kate*) at water level. The *katig* provided stability and additional buoyancy, preventing the boat from capsizing even when the hull is entirely flooded with water. The *katig*, like the hull itself, curve upwards at both ends, minimizing [drag](/source/Drag_(physics)) and preventing rolling. *Katig* were usually made with large bamboo poles traditionally [fire hardened](/source/Fire_hardening) and bent with heat. In between the *katig* and the hull was another lengthwise beam called the *batangan*. This served as the support structure for two additional *[burulan](/source/Burulan)* on either side of the boat called the *pagguray*, as well as additional seating for rowers called *[daramba](/source/Daramba)*.[7][8]

*Karakoa* can reach up to 25 metres (82 ft) in length. Very large *karakoa* can seat up to a hundred rowers on each side and dozens warriors on the *[burulan](/source/Burulan)*.[5][7][8] Vessels of this size were usually royal flagships and were (inaccurately) referred to by the Spanish as *joangas* or *juangas* (sing. *joanga*, Spanish for "[junk](/source/Junk_(ship))", native *dyong* or *adyong*).[8][10]

## Sea raiding

See also: [Timawa](/source/Timawa)

*Karakoa* were an integral part of the traditional sea raiding (*mangayaw*) of Filipino [thalassocracies](/source/Thalassocracy). They were maritime expeditions (usually seasonal) against enemy villages for the purposes of gaining prestige through combat, taking plunder, and capturing slaves or hostages (sometimes brides).[5]

Before a raid, [Visayans](/source/Visayans) performed a ceremony called the *pagdaga*, where the prow and the keel of the *karakoa* warships were smeared with blood drawn from a captured member of the target enemy settlement. *Karakoa* and attending smaller ships usually raid in fleets called an *abay*. A fast scout ship, called a *dulawan* (lit. "visitor") or *lampitaw*, is usually sent in advance of the *abay*. If intercepted by defending enemy ships, *karakoa* can engage in ship-to-ship battles called *bangga*. The pursuit of enemy ships is called *banggal*.[5]

Warriors aboard karakoas were shielded from projectiles by removable panels of bamboo or woven [nipa](/source/Nypa_fruticans), in addition to *[kalasag](/source/Kalasag)* personal shields. They were commonly armed with various swords like the *[kalis](/source/Kalis)* and metal-tipped spears called *[bangkaw](/source/Bangkaw)*. In addition, *karakoa* also had throwing javelins called *sugob*, which were thrown in large numbers at enemy ships. Unlike the *bangkaw*, they didn't have metal tips and were meant to be disposable. They were made from sharpened *bagakay* (*[Schizostachyum lumampao](/source/Schizostachyum_lumampao)*) bamboo whose compartments were filled with sand to add weight for throwing. They sometimes had wooden tips laced with [snake venom](/source/Snake_venom). Short-ranged bows (*pana* or *busog*) were also sometimes used in close-quarter volleys at enemy ships.[5]

Like other ships for trade and war in maritime Southeast Asia, *karakoa* were also usually armed with one or more bronze or brass [swivel guns](/source/Swivel_gun) called *[lantaka](/source/Lantaka)*,[5] and sometimes also larger guns.[11]

There was a great deal of honor involved in participating in a raid. Exploits during raids were recorded permanently in the [tattoos](/source/Tattoo) of Visayan warriors and nobility (*[timawa](/source/Timawa)* and *[tumao](/source/Tumao)*), earning them the name of *[pintados](/source/Pintados)* ("the painted ones") from the Spanish.[5]

## See also

- [Balangay](/source/Balangay)
- [Lashed-lug boat](/source/Lashed-lug_boat)
- [Lanong](/source/Lanong)
- [Garay](/source/Garay_(ship))
- [Kora kora](/source/Kora_kora), similar warships from the Maluku Islands
- [Outrigger boat](/source/Outrigger_boat)
- [Paraw](/source/Paraw)
- [Borobudur ship](/source/Borobudur_ship)
- [Jong](/source/Djong_(ship)), large cargo and passenger ship from Java

## Notes

1. *Tongol* means "to behead" or "severed head" in [Visayan](/source/Visayan_languages), which may have been the original item placed on the stern pole

1. *Bugsay* were carved from a single piece of wood, around 1 m (3.3 ft) in length, with leaf-shaped blades

1. *Gaod* had disc-shaped blades

## References

1. Charles P.G. Scott (1896). ["The Malayan Words in English (First Part)"](https://books.google.com/books?id=9MJBAAAAYAAJ). *Journal of the American Oriental Society*. **17**: 93–144.

1. Raymond Arveiller (1999). [*Addenda au FEW XIX (Orientalia)*](https://books.google.com/books?id=8p7yCQAAQBAJ). Vol. 298. Beihefte zur Zeitschrift für romanische Philologie. Max Pfister (ed.). Max Niemeyer. p. 174. ISBN 9783110927719.

1. Haddon, A. C. (January 1920). ["The Outriggers of Indonesian Canoes."](http://www.survivorlibrary.com/library/the_outriggers_of_indonesian_canoes_1920.pdf). *The Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland*. **50**: 69–134. [doi:10.2307/2843375](https://doi.org/10.2307/2843375). [JSTOR 2843375](https://www.jstor.org/stable/2843375)

1. Scott, William Henry (1982). ["Boat-Building and Seamanship in Classic Philippine Society"](http://www.philippinestudies.net/files/journals/1/articles/1696/public/1696-3504-1-PB.pdf). *Philippine Studies*. **30** (3): 334–376.

1. William Henry Scott (1994). [*Barangay. Sixteenth-Century Philippine Culture and Society*](https://archive.org/details/BarangaySixteenthCenturyPhilippineCultureAndSociety). Ateneo de Manila University Press. ISBN 9715501389.

1. Aurora Roxas-Lim. ["Traditional Boatbuilding and Philippine Maritime Culture"](https://web.archive.org/web/20191212173603/http://www.ichcap.org/eng/ek/sub3/pdf_file/domain5/091_Traditional_Boatbuilding_and_Philippine_Maritime_Culture.pdf). International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region, UNESCO. Archived from [the original](http://ichcap.org/eng/ek/sub3/pdf_file/domain5/091_Traditional_Boatbuilding_and_Philippine_Maritime_Culture.pdf) on December 12, 2019. Retrieved May 4, 2018.

1. Patricia Calzo Vega (June 1, 2011). ["The World of Amaya: Unleashing the Karakoa"](http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/scitech/content/222283/the-world-of-amaya-unleashing-the-karakoa/story/). GMA News Online. Retrieved May 4, 2018.

1. Emma Helen Blair & James Alexander Robertson (ed.) (1906). [*The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898*](http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/15157/pg15157-images.html)

1. [Francisco Combés](/source/Francisco_Comb%C3%A9s) (1667). [*Historia de las islas de Mindanao, Iolo y sus adyacentes : progressos de la religion y armas Catolicas*](http://bdh.bne.es/bnesearch/detalle/bdh0000014686)

1. Antonio T. Carpio. ["Historical Facts, Historical Lies, and Historical Rights in The West Philippine Sea"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230214173244/https://www.imoa.ph/imoawebexhibit/Splices/). Institute for Maritime and Ocean Affairs. pp. 8, 9. Archived from [the original](http://www.imoa.ph/imoawebexhibit/Splices/) on February 14, 2023. Retrieved May 4, 2018.

1. James Francis Warren (2007). *The Sulu Zone, 1768-1898: The Dynamics of External Trade, Slavery, and Ethnicity in the Transformation of a Southeast Asian Maritime State*. NUS Press. pp. 257–258. ISBN 9789971693862.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Karakoa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karakoa) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karakoa?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.