Comments on: Toy Canoe from Ozette Wet Site–reply to Alan Hoover

By: Gene Woodwick

Gene Woodwick — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 02:26:52 +0000

Fianally–I have long wondered about the canoe. It brings back memories to me. When we moved to Washington State there was an old Indian (approximately 80+) who lived under and in a wooden wheel barrow who made me little canoes to float in Padilla Bay. But, it certainly was a little more broad and not painted like this beauty. What a wonderful discovery.

By: dcroes

dcroes — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 19:08:51 +0000

Alan: Yes wet site wood and fiber artifacts are often beautifully preserved. Basketweavers are often amazed how fresh baskets look after hundreds if not thousands of years. If the proper preservation process is followed (usually with PEG and best following CCI guidelines) the artifacts become stabilized and remain in good shape.

The mudslide at Ozette occurred around 1700 so not surprised this toy canoe looks like Webber’s drawings. I suspect it is a child’s toy in the Ozette setting, versus a model as seen made in later years after contact and often for sale to tourists and Museums(!). Thanks, Dale

By: Alan Hoover

Alan Hoover — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 05:43:46 +0000

Love the third photo. The artifact is so pristine, no evidence of warping or splitting. It is a typical Nootka/Chinook-style canoe very similar in shape to the canoes that John Webber sketched at Friendly Cove in 1778 (See British Museum photo AN0034429_001.)