igaras
Igaras are a type of small, lightweight canoe traditionally used by indigenous peoples of the Amazon basin. These dugouts are typically carved from a single log, a process that requires considerable skill and knowledge of local timber. The word "igarajuba" is often used interchangeably, referring to a larger, more robust version of the igara.
Historically, igaras were essential for transportation and trade along the vast network of rivers in the Amazon.
The construction of an igara begins with selecting a suitable tree, often a large hardwood. The log