Drawing by Vital Alsar possibly relating to his raft LA BALSA
Maker
Vital Alsar
(Spanish / Mexican, born 1933)
Date1968
Object number00028736
NamePlan
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 640 x 500 mm, 0.05 kg
Display Dimensions: 645 x 502 mm
Display Dimensions: 645 x 502 mm
ClassificationsMaps, charts and plans
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Alec Altman
HistoryBorn in Santander, Spain, in 1933 Vital Alsar currently lives in Vera Cruz Mexico. Alsar attempted to prove that pre-Columbian South Americans could and did undertake voyages in the Pacific by sailing pre-Columbian style balsa wood rafts from Ecuador to Australia. The first attempt in 1966 in LA PACIFICA was not successfull. The second in 1970 in LA BALSA was, Alsar reached Mooloolaba in Queensland. The third attempt in 1973 with three rafts called LAS BALSAS (GUAYAQUIL, MOOLOOLABA and AZTLAN) was partly successful, two reaching Ballina in New South Wales one had to be abandoned. One of the rafts is currently on display in the Ballina Maritime Museum.
