Model Canoe and Paddles

The birchbark canoe combined a large carrying capacity with minimum weight.  Bark for construction was removed from the trees in spring.  Twenty to twenty five sheets of bark were needed to cover the spruce frame.  The seams were sewn with split spruce roots and sealed with spruce gum.  Canoes of this style up to 5 meters long were used for moving freight and people.

Dimensions: 870 x 190mm

Provenance: Chipewyan

Given by B.R. Ross, Fort Simpson, 1862

Number: National Museums of Scotland A.848.42 A-D