Thebeden[1][2][3] or alternate type namesbeden-seyed (alsobeden seyad) andbeden-safar, is a fast, ancientSomali single or double-masted maritime vessel and ship, typified by its towering stern-post and powerful rudder. It is also the longest survivingsewn boat in theHorn of Africa and theArabian Peninsula. Its shipyards predominantly lie in the northeasternHafun region ofSomalia (notablyBayla), as well asMuscat. There are 2 types ofbeden ships, with one type geared towards fishing (thebeden-seyed) and the other, trading (beden-safar). The average tradingbeden-safar ship measure more than 15 m (50 ft) in length, and are significantly larger than the fishingbeden-seyed ships, which measure 6–15 m (20–50 ft) on average, but both are dwarfed by a much larger trading variant called theuwassiye. This ship is the most common trading and voyaging vessel, with some measuring up to 77 ft (23 m). The ship is noticeable and unique in its strengthened and substantialgunwale, which is attached bytreenail. Originally, allbeden ships were sewn with coiledcoconut fibre, holding the hull planking, stem and stern-post. Omani variants, beginning in the 20th century, began nailing instead of sewing the planks.
TheSomali wordbeden means 'a fishing boat', is derived from theArabicbadan, and is related to theSwahilibedeni.[2]
The Omani Arabicbeden, pl.bdāne, means 'boat'.[4]
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