A corlita is a small boat resembling a coracle, used by American Indians of southern California.
Corlitas are essentially miniature versions of coracles, which are traditionally small, lightweight boats. They were particularly utilized by indigenous peoples in Southern California for fishing, transportation, and navigating coastal waters and rivers. Due to their size and construction, corlitas offered maneuverability in shallow waters and relative ease of carrying when needed.
Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:
- Definition: A small, coracle-like boat.
- Usage: Employed by American Indians in Southern California.
- Purpose: Fishing, transportation, and navigating waterways.
- Characteristics: Lightweight and maneuverable.
- Resemblance: Similar in design and function to a coracle, but adapted to the specific needs and resources of the region.
The construction materials would have varied based on availability, but likely included locally sourced materials such as reeds, plant fibers, and animal hides. The frames would have been flexible enough to create the bowl-shaped structure characteristic of both coracles and corlitas.
