Tagus 'Muleta' - Tagus 'Tartaranha' (Barreiro / Seixal)
Date: 20th century (specific date unknown)
Origin: Portugal
Material: Wood and fabric
Dimension: Length: 840 mm, Width: 240 mm (Scale: 1/16)
Inventory No.: MM.05440
The Tagus 'Muleta' appeared in the 17th century and was a trawling vessel used by fishermen from the estuaries on the south bank of the River Tagus, between Cabo da Rocha and Cabo Espichel, between the 17th and the early 20th centuries.
Coastal fishing involved different types of gear and vessels which, due to their peculiarity, have enriched regional traditions.
The 'muleta' used a peculiar type of gear, the 'tartaranha', which dragged along the bottom while the vessel sailed sideways against the wind and the current. However, one of the most characteristic aspects of this type of vessel is her sailing rig.
Due to the damage they caused to the fauna and flora of the estuary, they stopped being used in the 1930s, a fact that precipitated their disappearance.