James River Batteau
by LEGO Ink
This is a MiniLand Scale model of a batteau. Featuring over 1,200 pieces, it is my largest build to date. Length from bow to stern, is 76 studs, and from sweep to sweep can vary between 110 and 136 studs, depending on the stance of the batteauman. As a symmetrical build, the overall concept wasn't difficult to achieve, however developing proper spacing and detail work would require some unique solutions. Of those, creating depth and variety using three variants of the same color (Brown/Tan), and minimal use of Black and Gray, made for an exciting hunt for elements.
Details include hull ribbing, walking planks, hogshead(s), and 'sweeps' located at the bow and stern of the craft.
The The James River Batteau was a specified river boat, approximately used between 1775 to 1840. It's specific purpose was to be a shallow draft watercraft used to transport tobacco and other cargo on the James River and its tributaries in the state of Virginia, as well as other extensive use throughout the rivers of the Eastern, Colonial US.
It was typically a very symmetrical design, being relatively flat bottomed and pointed at both ends.
As the batteau was a custom craft, fabricated on plantations at various points along the river(s), the overall length of the batteau could vary greatly, 58 feet (17.5 m) being a common length. The tobacco hogshead was developed into a standardized size by the 1760s and measured 48 inches (120 cm) long and 30 inches (76 cm) in diameter at the head. It could hold roughly 1,000 pounds (450 kg) of tightly packed tobacco. A larger batteau could transport 10 or more hogsheads, depending on river conditions. [River Conditions were also a factor into overall batteau dimensions, similar to picking an appropriate car for transportation in your region.] The batteau was propelled by batteaumen, usually slaves, pushing with long sturdy poles. A batteauman was also highly skilled, being adept at 'reading' the river, guiding the boat through less than ideal water, and working as a team to maintain the overall product load.
Batteau is the French word for boat., and alternate spellings of batteau include bateau, batoe and the plurals bateaux, batoes, and batteaux.
