Luzzu

A luzzu (Maltese pronunciation: [lutt͡su]) is a traditional fishing boat from the Maltese islands. They are usually painted in bright colours, while the bow has a pair of eyes. Luzzus have existed since ancient times.

The word luzzu derives from the Sicilian guzzu (which itself is derived from the Italian guzzo). A guzzu or guzzo is a common fishing or transport vessel used in Italy and Sicily. The plural of luzzu is luzzi in Maltese or luzzus in English.

Luzzus are sturdy boats with a double-ended hull. The design of the Luzzu, like that of another Maltese boat, the dgħajsa, is believed to date back to Phoenician times. The design has survived because it tends to be sturdy and stable even in bad weather. Originally, the luzzu was equipped with sails although nowadays almost all are motorised, with onboard diesel engines being the most common.

Luzzus are brightly painted in shades of yellow, red, green and blue, and the bow is normally pointed with a pair of eyes. These eyes may be the modern survival of an ancient Phoenician custom (also practiced by the ancient Greeks and Egyptians); they are referred to as the Eye of Horus or of Osiris. They are said to protect the fishermen while at sea.

On 30 October 1948, a luzzu that was being used as a Gozo ferry capsized and sunk off Ħondoq ir-Rummien, Gozo. 23 people were killed.

The town of Marsaxlokk is especially famous for the large numbers of luzzu and similar craft operating in its harbour. The luzzu is often considered as a symbol of Malta.

Some luzzi have been converted to passenger carriers for tourists although the vast majority continue to be used as fishing vessels.

A kajjik is similar in appearance and function to the luzzu, but has a square transom instead of a double-ended hull. They are usually smaller. Kajjiks are also used in the regatta rowing race.

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Wikipedia