In the 1950s, boatmen in Lhasa, Tibet, utilized yak skin boats, also known as “khyangs,” for various purposes, leveraging the unique properties of yak skins. Here is an elaboration on their construction and usage:

Construction of Yak Skin Boats

1. Yak Skins: Yak skins were the primary material for making these boats. The hides were chosen for their durability, water resistance, and availability in the region.
2. Preparation: The skins were cleaned and treated to make them more pliable and waterproof. This often involved a process of soaking, scraping, and oiling the hides.
3. Frame: A wooden frame or bamboo structure was crafted to provide the basic shape and support for the boat. The frame was lightweight but sturdy, designed to support the skins and maintain the boat’s shape.
4. Assembly: The treated yak skins were stretched over the wooden frame and tightly secured. The seams were stitched carefully and sometimes sealed with additional materials like animal fat or resin to ensure they were watertight.

Usage of Yak Skin Boats

1. Transportation: The primary use of yak skin boats was for transportation across rivers and lakes. Lhasa, being located near the Lhasa River, saw significant use of these boats for moving people and goods.
2. Fishing: Local fishermen used these boats to navigate rivers and lakes, allowing them to reach deeper waters and more abundant fishing grounds.
3. Trade and Commerce: Traders utilized these boats to transport goods such as barley, wool, and salt. The boats were essential for trade routes that required crossing water bodies.
4. Cultural and Religious Practices: Yak skin boats also played a role in cultural and religious activities. They were sometimes used in rituals or to transport pilgrims to religious sites located near water.
5. Communication: In a region with limited infrastructure, these boats were vital for maintaining communication between different communities separated by rivers.

Advantages of Yak Skin Boats

1. Lightweight and Portable: Despite their size, yak skin boats were relatively light and could be easily carried and launched by a few individuals.
2. Durability: The toughness of yak hides made these boats durable and capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of Tibetan rivers.
3. Buoyancy: The natural buoyancy of yak hides, combined with the airtight construction, made the boats highly effective at floating and carrying substantial loads.
4. Availability: Yak hides were readily available in the region, making these boats a practical and sustainable option for the local population.

Decline and Legacy

With the advent of modern materials and transportation methods, the use of yak skin boats has diminished. However, they remain a significant part of Tibetan cultural heritage, symbolizing the ingenuity and adaptability of the Tibetan people in utilizing available resources to meet their needs.