Building a Kabouwé Pushcart

Creating a Kabouwé pushcart offers a hands-on way to engage with Dominica’s cultural heritage. It produces a functional and customizable cart for users of all ages. By scaling the design to 10% of the user’s height with a steering pole that reaches waist level, the Kabouwé can be easily controlled and manoeuvred. Here’s a detailed guide to building a safe, enjoyable Kabouwé pushcart.

Materials Needed to Build Your Kabouwé Pushcart:

• Wooden Planks: For the main body, flatbed, and cabin.
• Rope/String: For connecting and controlling the steering mechanism
• Wooden Rod: Serves as the steering pole.
• Wooden Disks or Circular Cutouts: Four for the wheels.
• Tin Cans or Plastic Bottles: Optional for decorative elements like headlights.
• Nails, Screws, and Glue: To secure parts effectively.

Construction Steps of a Kabouwé

These steps introduce building a Kabouwé pushcart using basic materials and simple techniques. The steps focus on assembling a version that captures this Dominica toy’s traditional essence and functionality.

Building the Body

1. Cabin: Construct a rectangular cabin from wooden planks, keeping it around 10% of the intended user’s height.
2. Flatbed: Attach a small flatbed section behind the cabin, providing space for decorative or functional additions.

Attaching the Wheels

1. Cut four circular wooden disks for wheels.
2. Attach the wheels to the cabin using axles, ensuring they are functional for smooth movement.

Steering Pole Assembly

1. Attach a wooden pole to the front axle, with a handle at the top for steering.
2. Scale the pole to reach waist level for the user, ensuring comfortable control without stooping.
3. Fix a Wheel or horizontal rod as the steering mechanism at the top
   1. Connect that steering mechanism with rope/string to the front wheels
   2. You will need a right and left portion to steer the Kabouwé
   3. Ensure it has enough tension.

Final Touches

1. Optionally, add tin cans to the cabin front as “headlights” for a traditional look.
2. Sand down all edges to eliminate any sharp points, ensuring a smooth finish.

Assembly and Scale Proportion

1. Use screws and glue to join parts, particularly at connection points for durability securely.
2. Double-check the pole height to reach the user’s waist for easy steering, making the Kabouwé user-friendly and safe.

Following these steps, you’ll have an iconic Kabouwé pushcart that embodies Dominican culture and craftsmanship, suitable for people of any age looking to experience this unique part of Dominica’s heritage.