The heritage of the dugout canoe in Imbotero is based on a history of thousands of years of use. The original settlers of northwest Guyana—possibly the ancestors of today’s Warrau—might have had dugout canoes when they entered the area, around 7500 BP. By the time the Archaic lifestyle was established, dugouts were probably in widespread use. Numerous lines of argument are used to refute suggestions the Warrau invented the dugout around 5300 BP. During the historical period, canoe use was extensively documented by European explorers and colonists, who identified the Warrau as the colony’s best and most prolific suppliers of dugout canoes. The historical technology and use of the Warrau canoe are presented, with descriptions of its design, construction, propulsion, applications, and spiritual and social significance.