canoe, model

canoe, model

canoe, model

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Introduction

A model canoe made of birchbark and decorated with wool. Probably made in the last half of the 19th century. The high ends and the inset bark triangular panels suggest that it was made by Abenaki, Montagnais or neighbouring people. Donated to the Wisbech Museum in 1880 by Mrs. Walton and transferred to the Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in 1949.

Nation of Maker: Algonquin Other
Nation of Origin

The high ends and the inset bark triangular panels suggest that it was made by Abenaki, Montagnais or neighbouring people.

Date Made or Date Range: 1850 to 1880
Summary of Source(s) for this Relative

Museum documentation and the GRASAC research team.

Materials

birchbark; wood splints; red, purple, and green wool; small finishing nails

Techniques or Format

Made of one piece of bark with wood splint ribs. Triangular bark inserts at the ends are decorated with a red wool 'arrowhead' motif and a zig-zag binding stitch. Wire is attached to the ends, presumably for suspending it in a case.

Motifs and Patterns

There are 'arrowhead' motifs in wool yarn.

Dimensions: 35 × 10 × 0 cm
Condition: Good
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular times, materials, styles and uses

Documentation from the Wisbech Museum states that it was donated in 1880 by Mrs. Walton.

Current Location: Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, UK
Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: 1949.216 B
Date of Acquisition by the Institution: 1949
Who the Institution Acquired the Relative or Heritage Item From: Wisbech Museum
Date Relative was First Removed or Collected from its Community Context: 1850-1880
Collection Narratives and Histories

Donated to the Wisbech Museum in 1880 by Mrs. Walton. Acquired from the Wisbech Museum by the Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in 1949.

GKS Reference Number: 26373
How to Cite this Item

Unknown Algonquin/Abenaki/Montagnais artist, canoe, model. Currently in the Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, 1949.216 B. Item photographed and described as part of a GRASAC research trip May 2009; GRASAC item id 26373.

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

45.6426, -85.036

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