Is Fassonis: Ancient Reed Boats of Cabras
In the lagoons near Cabras on the Sinis Peninsula, a boat-building technique survives that exists in only a few places worldwide – such as still on Lake Titicaca in South America.
What Is Fassonis are
Is Fassonis are slender boats about four metres long, woven entirely from bundled, dried marsh grass and tied together with reed cords – with no wood or metal at all. Their tapered shape makes them ideal for fishing in the shallow lagoon waters.
A millennia-old technique
Researchers believe similar lagoon boats were already in use during the nuraghic era. This building technique is thus among the oldest continuously practiced craft traditions on the island.
Where you can see them
At the museum in Cabras and at the annual regatta in Santa Giusta, this extraordinary craft can be experienced up close – a nice complement to visiting the beaches and the archaeological site of Tharros in the same region.