canoe, model

canoe, model

canoe, model

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Introduction

A late 19th century Anishinaabe model canoe with quilled decoration of diamonds, thistles, and a petaled flower. Presented to the Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in 1959 by Miss E. M. Leach.

Nation of Maker: Anishinaabe
Nation of Origin

Based on the style of quillwork.

Date Made or Date Range: 1860 to 1920
Summary of Source(s) for this Relative

Museum documentation and the GRASAC research team.

Materials

birchbark; spruce root; wood splint; porcupine quills, natural and dyed yellow, red, and green; heavy black cotton thread.

Techniques or Format

The model canoe is made of three pieces of birchbark and a separate birchbark lining. The thwarts and ribs are made of wood splints. One manboard is in one end (with one probably missing). The rims loosely bound. Quillwork decorated both sides.

Motifs and Patterns

On both sides there are horizontal chains of diamonds on both sides ending in Scottish thistles. On one side there is a petaled flower in the centre of the chain of diamonds.

Dimensions: 52 × 16 × 0 cm
Condition: Fair. There is a break at one end.
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular times, materials, styles and uses

The museum's database description notes (probably copied from register) that it was 'made in an Indian reservation in Canada, about 1892'. This type of item was made for tourists.

Current Location: Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, UK
Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: 1959.472
Date of Acquisition by the Institution: 1959
Who the Institution Acquired the Relative or Heritage Item From: Miss E. M. Leach, donor
Date Relative was First Removed or Collected from its Community Context: 1860 to 1959
Collection Narratives and Histories

Presented to the Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in 1959 by Miss E. M. Leach.

GKS Reference Number: 26073
How to Cite this Item

Unknown Anishinaabe artist, canoe, model. Currently in the Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, 1959.472. Item photographed and described as part of a GRASAC research trip May 2009; GRASAC item id 26073.

Record Creation Context

This record was created as part of a GRASAC research trip to Cambridge University's Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, May 4-9 2009.

Record Creation Notes/Observations

Participants: Trudy Nicks, Laura Peers, Alison Brown, Sherry Farrell-Racette, Rachel Hand, Ruth Phillips, Stacey Loyer, and Amber Berson.

Approximate Place of Origin

44.736, -88.788

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