Carved Model Canoe, Paddles & Figure Head

Item number E21594-0 from the National Museum of Natural History.

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Notes

As of 05/2010, figurehead originally on prow could not be found. This object is on loan to the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, from 2010 through 2027. Canoe includes 4 paddles on loan.Note that canoe 21594 is mentioned as being used in an exhibit in Berlin in 1880 on p. 104 of USNM Bulletin No. 18. It is described there as a wooden canoe model from Alaska of the type used by the Indians of northwest coast in the whaling and sea fisheries.Source of the information below: Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center Alaska Native Collections: Sharing Knowledge website, by Aron Crowell, entry on this artifact http://alaska.si.edu/record.asp?id=533 , retrieved 12-30-2011: Canoe model Clan leaders took pride in their large red cedar canoes, which lined the beaches at the old coastal villages, each drawn up in front of the clan house to which it belonged. The boats were kept covered with wet cloths to prevent the wood from splitting. Crews of men paddled them at sea or raised sails when the wind was favorable, traveling long distances for trade, warfare, or ceremonies. Owners painted their canoes with clan crests and gave them names.