A Portuguese fusta near Goa

This image shows a fusta or foist, a type of ship commonly used at the time to navigate coasts and other shallow waters. It was light, maneuverable and could be powered by both rowing and sail. It was used by the Portuguese and their enemies in the region as war ships, though they were also used for trade. The ship shows a crew of rowers with a man labeled “Macadoan” standing above them. The ship is led and steered by two European men. - The texts under the image read: “The fusta which the Portuguese and their enemies the Malabarese use for war, and to transport wares”.