From time immemorial people have been fascinated by the sea. With the help of wood, papyrus or animal skin our forbears began to move on water. The history of shipping is inseparably associated with the history of human civilization. It offered new ways of transport for goods, merchandise and also people. It brought cultures together.
Among the oldest means of transport on water is the raft. The tree trunks tied together with hemp or similar cord were difficult to steer, however. Steering was easier in logboats. For this purpose a tree trunk was hollowed out laboriously from the inside with stone tools.
For propulsion both in the logboat and the hide boat (a boat with hides stretched over it) the paddle was used.
