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Miniatuur model van een Tjalk

Scale model of the Hollandse tjalk Berend

The name “tjalk” was already in use in the 17th century. It was a sailing cargo ship used on the inland waterways of a large part of the Netherlands. Originally, these were wooden ships, but later they were also built from steel.

“The tjalk was once one of the most commonly used cargo ships on Dutch waters.”

André Groeneveld
Conservator Zuiderzeemuseum

Tjalks usually had one mast. Two movable leeboards enabled the ships to sail in shallow water. From the end of the nineteenth century onwards, the ships were increasingly equipped with engines.

Tjalken came in different varieties and transported all kinds of cargo: timber from Zaandam, gravel from the major rivers, manure from Friesland and cheese from North Holland. They were often named after the area in which they sailed.

From de Staffordshire dogs to de Rudder decoration in the shape of a mermaid. Discover the online collection of the Zuiderzeemuseum.

de Staffordshire dogs
de Rudder decoration in the shape of a mermaid