Model Hunting Canoe Item Number: A1528 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Wooden model canoe. The stern of the canoe ends in a triangle shape painted red. The bow of the canoe curves upwards and extends to form a figurehead. The figurehead on both sides of the canoe has an eye outlined in black, surrounded in red dots and outlined again in blue with green eyelashes. The nose is striped with a green line, a black line and a blue line. A red zigzag line extends down from the figurehead. One side of the canoe is decorated with a black whale, a bird highlighted with red, blue and green and a black stylized animal. The other side of the canoe has only the black whale. The interior of the canoe is unpainted.
History Of Use
This object appears to be a model of a dugout canoe. It is described in the collector’s catalogue as a hunting canoe. It is similar stylistically to those described by Elmendorf as the Nuu-chah-nulth type, with a straight stern and a long projecting bow or wolf’s head. Anthropologist William Elmendorf notes that: “Most fathers made play canoes for their young sons. Boys played with these in the water from the age of four or five. According to HA [A Twana man] the device was ‘useful to teach kids how to paddle and how to manage a canoe’ (Elmendorf 1960:227).”
Narrative
This model canoe was collected by Dr. Raley, a missionary, who was based at the Coqualeetza Residential school in Sardis, BC. It is possible that he collected it there.
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada before 1934
- Collected in Fraser River, British Columbia, Canada between 1893 and 1934
- Owned by George Henry Raley before November 1948
- Received from H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and George Henry Raley (Seller) during November 1948
What
Who
- Culture
- Coast Salish: Sto:lo
- Previous Owner
- George Henry Raley
- Received from
- H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and George Henry Raley (Seller)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Fraser River, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- before 1934
- Collection Date
- between 1893 and 1934
- Ownership Date
- before November 1948
- Acquisition Date
- during November 1948
Other
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 7
- Accession Number
- 1960/0046