Description:

Native American, Northwestern Canada & United States, Alaska, Athabaskan (Athabascan, Athapascan, Athapaskan, Dene) peoples, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A beautiful hand built cedarwood and birch bark canoe model with a covered prow and decorative painted motifs. The wooden ribs are exposed on the interior with a bark panel on the bottom with a circular motif in red. The woven reeds that lash the frame together form a checkered patterning that is superb. Additional feather and bristly fur, perhaps porcupine, adorns the rim. This particular form was used by Athabaskan people and was a cross between a kayak and canoe in style. Models were built to demonstrate their construction to eager European traders who wanted to purchase these lightweight boats, and later as souvenirs or toys. Size: 25.5" L x 5.5" W x 4.75" H (64.8 cm x 14 cm x 12.1 cm)

A similar model with an interior sun motif is part of the University of Alaska Museum of the North's collection and website, please see object number: UA67-011-0008-2.

Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s

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#174336

  • Condition: Losses to fur and feather along rim. Tight weaving throughout, small fray / torn reed on prow. Small perforation through bark near stern. Some fading to pigments, but overall excellent condition.

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September 24, 2022 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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