ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Carranca

A Carranca is a special kind of sculpture that people put on their boats. It's made out of wood and looks like a funny face or a scary monster face. The Carranca is supposed to protect the boat while it's out on the water.

Back in the olden days, people used to believe that the water was full of dangerous things, like monsters and evil spirits. They thought that these bad things could harm their boats and cause them to sink or get lost at sea. So, they came up with the idea of making a Carranca to scare away any bad stuff that might want to attack the boat.

The Carranca usually has a big nose, big ears, and big eyes that stare out at the water. It might have horns or teeth or other features that make it look scary. Some people even add things like feathers, beads, or other decorations to make their Carranca look even more special.

When people put a Carranca on their boat, they believe that it will keep them safe from harm. It's like having a guardian angel watching over them while they sail. So, next time you see a boat with a funny face on the front, remember that it's a Carranca, and it's there to protect the boat and the people on board.
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