An assessment of the dgħajsa tal-Latini as a traditional working seacraft in the Maltese islands : its construction, role and identity in an evolving maritime landscape

Abstract

The Dgħajsa tal-Latini is a traditional working seacraft, prominent in the Maltese maritime cultural landscape. The Dgħajsa tal-Latini was recorded within its different historical, geographical and cultural contexts. The remaining material evidence of the seacraft typology was documented in two boat reports and interpreted. Archival photographs, archival documents, written sources and the material evidence were studied in order to identify the heritage values pertaining to the Dgħajsa tal-Latini. The Dgħajsa tal-Latini’s status as a heritage asset was ascertained by consulting the Maltese legislative framework concerning Underwater Cultural Heritage. An assessment of the Dgħajsa tal-Latini’s heritage values were assessed together with the factors present that impact the seacraft’s heritage management. Using case studies and by consulting parallel projects carried out abroad, heritage management options concerning the Dgħajsa tal-Latini were proposed, taking into consideration the respective heritage values. The Dgħajsa tal-Latini has a number of qualities that are pertinent to Malta’s cultural heritage; historical, physical, representative, geographical and archaeological. The Dgħajsa tal-Latini has a long history of operation. Its construction and operation are a reflection of its contextual foreign and local cultural influence. The role it played during a major historical event (the Second World War) increases its historical value. The Maltese traditional methods of hull construction evidenced in the Dgħajsa tal-Latini’s material remains exhibit important information pertaining to local craftsmanship. The rigging of a Dgħajsa tal-Latini bears evidence pertaining to local seamanship and sailing prowess, having been constructed and crewed by the Maltese and Gozitans. Both the construction and rigging of the Dgħajsa tal-Latini are a reflection of the historical, geographical and climatological contexts it belongs to. One of the ways to protect, preserve and make available the Dgħajsa tal-Latini is by embarking on heritage management plans. Any heritage management plans put forward need to authentically reflect the identity of the seacraft. A proposal of viable heritage management options tailored to the Dgħajsa tal-Latini is provided in this dissertation, based on the seacraft’s heritage values.