Kayak frame. Main framework is planed wood with ribs of branches, lashed together with cord and sinew, all painted red. Sail is canvas, attached with cord to round wooden pieces top and bottom, small hole/opening near top. A-frame, 509.5 centimeters long. King Island-style kayak with a hole at the bow.
Donor:
Margaret Lantis
Collection place:
Atka Island, Andreanof Islands, Central Aleutians
Verbatim coll. place:
Alaska; Aleutian Islands; Atka Island
Culture or time period:
Aleut
Collector:
Margaret Lantis
Collection date:
1934
Object type:
ethnography
Object class:
Watercraft
Function:
1.4 Transportation
Accession date:
1934
Context of use:
Waters surrounding the Aleutian Islands hosted a thriving ecosystem including seals, sea otters, and fish that was so integral to Aleutian cuisine. The average full-sized kayak was about 17.5 feet long but were tailored to one’s body size. Black spruce and yellow cedar made up the framework and seal skin binded with sinew made up the cover. They are noted among other Native Alaskan kayaks for their lightweightedness and efficiency, travelling through the treacherous and open waters with ease. Righting and repairing kayaks was easy as one often had sea mammal stomach on hand, along with other cargo, stored in the spacious interior.
Department:
Native US and Canada (except California)
Loans:
S1982-1983 #9: California History Center, De Anza College (September 15, 1982–March 2, 1983) and S1983-1984 #52: Oakland Museum of California (May 9, 1984–September 7, 1984)