Dugout canoes are a central cultural feature of the Nuu-chah-nulth and Makah. This diminutive model features the classic “wolf head” prow shape that defines the silhouettes of canoes from coastal Washington State up to Vancouver Island. This model is well carved out of birch or alder and features repeating half-circle patterns on the hull of the bow and stern, a nod to earlier, 19th century two-dimensional painting on full-sized canoes and models. There are also crescent moon and star symbols painted on each side of the stern and a star painted on the stern deck. Star and crescent moon imagery are fraternal organization symbols that began appearing on Northwest Coast objects made for sale in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, probably to appeal to members of these groups who would collect Native made objects to place in their lodges (many of which had appropriative Native American themes).

CWS