Plaustai

Plaustai is the Lithuanian term for rafts, with plaustai being the plural form. It refers to simple, buoyant platforms built to float on rivers or lakes, typically constructed by binding together logs, planks, or other flotation materials to form a flat surface for people, goods, or timber to be moved along the water.

Construction and design often rely on hollow logs, rough planks, or reed mats bound with rope, twine, or vines. Most plaustai have no fixed hull or keel; their buoyancy comes from the floating elements and the lashings that keep them in a unified platform. Propulsion is usually achieved with paddles or poles, though some larger or more complex examples may incorporate sails.

Historically, rafts have served as a basic means of water transport in many cultures. In the Baltic region, rafts were commonly used for moving timber downstream, crossing narrow or shallow waterways, and transporting people and goods between settlements. Plaustai feature in regional folk traditions and may appear in demonstrations of traditional crafts, with some communities preserving raft-building techniques as part of cultural heritage.

In modern contexts, raft-building and rafting activities often occur as cultural education or recreational pursuits. Contemporary plaustai used in tourism or educational settings emphasize safety, environmental stewardship, and adherence to local regulations on waterways. While the basic concept remains simple, plaustai continue to reflect a practical and historical approach to water transport in the Lithuanian and broader Baltic context. See also raft, rafting, timber floating.