Dhow Chasing in Zanzibar Waters - The Search For Mecca

102 DHOW-CHASING.
many a pleasant incident connected with tliem,
which made me look upon them as if they were
old friends, and prompts me to give some
description of them. There are four different
kinds of coasting dhows, as shown in the engravings,
viz. the Bateele, the Badane, Bugala
or genuine Dhow, and the Matapa boat. The
Bateele and Badane are northern vessels, and
are built in the Persian Gulf and Arabian
coast, chiefly in the neighbourhood of Muscat;
they are by far the largest in size as a
class, and being owned by the northern Ai-abs
their appearance is much dreaded at Zanzibar.
The Bugala or dhow is built on aU parts of
the east coast of Africa;
in the rig and shape of
their sails they resemble the former craft, the
difference consisting chiefly in the hull.
They
are by far the most numerous class, which has
led to the custom, not strictly correct, of the
name of "Dhow" being generally used when
speaking of any of them ; the Matapa is the
most remarkable and primitive of these vessels
that can be seen anywhere; they are large