The dghajsa tal-pass has been a key symbol of traditional Maltese life for generations, and now it has been reinvented in this stunning interpretation by artist Matthew Pandolfino.

What is a dghajsa tal-pass?

Essentially a dghajsa tal-pass is a traditional water taxi, and like the Maltese luzzu, possibly dates back to Phoenician times. This mode of transport was mainly used in the Grand Harbour to carry passengers (hence the name tal-pass) and small baggage from ships to shore. The boat was usually propelled by one man standing, facing forward, pushing two oars. Talk about needing muscle!

A specific dghajsa was actually built for the then Princess Elizabeth, who was to be ferried from her ship to Fort St Angelo during one of her visits to Malta. The very same boat is still used to this day. Nowadays, only 12 original dghajjes survive, due to the high maintenance needed to keep them in ship shape (no pun intended there!).

Matthew’s stunning project

In an interview with The Times, Matthew explains that the inspiration came from the Cottonera area, specifically Dock 1 in Bormla. Together with Albert Delia, research was conducted to understand what used to happen at the Dock, the amount of boats registered, what they were used for and all that jazz. The work is titled dghajsa tar-rih due to its flying features.

The project was an amalgamation of all the history they dug up, also relating it to modern ways. “We joined everything together and came up with a dghajsa that incorporated science fiction elements.” And honestly, it’s a masterpiece! Matthew explains that the seven sqm steel sculpture is complete with moving propellers that the public can engage with.

Works on the boat have been ongoing for two years, and Matthew says that he hopes it will become a landmark at the Cospicua dock, where it will be placed next April.

The project is part of the Arts in Public Spaces Programme, which will see six art pieces distributed across six localities in Malta and Gozo.