War canoes were used in Africa, Austronesia, Americas and Europe to transport troops and supplies, and engage targets onshore. While documentation of canoe versus canoe battles on the open ocean is rare, records from the 14th century mention various peoples of West Africa using huge fighting canoes in inland waters, some up to  and carrying over 100 men. Construction of the war canoe was typically from one massive tree trunk, with the silk cotton tree being particularly useful.
War canoes were used for transportation and combat across various continents, including Africa, Austronesia, the Americas, and Europe. While records of battles between canoes at sea are scarce, historical accounts from the 14th century describe West African tribes using large canoes in inland waters, some capable of carrying over 100 men. These canoes were typically constructed from a single massive tree trunk, with the silk cotton tree being particularly useful for their construction.