UNIDENTIFIED TLINGIT ARTIST
Canoe Model, c. 1890
yellow cedar, black red, and traces of Reckitt’s blue pigment, 3.75 x 17.5 x 3.75 in (9.5 x 44.5 x 9.5 cm)
Lot 160
ESTIMATE: $3,000 — $5,000
PRICE REALIZED: $2,380.00
ESTIMATE: $3,000 — $5,000
PRICE REALIZED: $2,380.00
Further images
Canoe models have been made over a long period of time, since before Euro-Americans arrived on the coast. Models are a way of encapsulating the essence of a full-size canoe...
Canoe models have been made over a long period of time, since before Euro-Americans arrived on the coast. Models are a way of encapsulating the essence of a full-size canoe in a smaller package. They probably served this function in teaching apprentices the proper details of canoe appearance before a large canoe was attempted. This painted canoe model features avian-symbolic designs on the bow and stern, and one large ovoid in the middle of each side. The paintings are well executed and give a lightness to the ends of the canoe. The interior has three well-shaped thwarts and a wide plank with a hole (quite a large hole), designed to represent a mast partner. This model does well in conveying the traditional lines and forms that have made this canoe design stand out as one of the finest hand-powered vessels in the world. The sweeping curves of the gunwales on each side have just the right amount of rise in them to emulate the best historical examples.
Steven C. Brown
Provenance
A Vancouver Collection.Join Our Mailing List
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