Traditional watercraft where there are no trees.

June 17, 2023 1:26 PM

Harvey Golden, when he isn't running The Lincoln Street Kayak & Canoe Museum, builds functional representative^* replicas of historical indigenous kayaks (87 so far) and paddles. With well curated information to the originals being replicated.

^* From the site: These replicas are not what one might consider to be "museum quality." They are 'of the shape' and structurally as close as I was able to achieve. I have substituted materials as needed (e.g. synthetic "skins" instead of animal skins, which are not suitable for the climate I live in, and are mostly illegal to use).

posted by Mitheral (6 comments total)

Wow, how Portlandian is that?
posted by y2karl at 1:35 PM on June 17, 2023

I knew someone (now deceased, who I lived with for many years at an intentional community) who was also very interested in indigenous arctic kayaks. Was curious if they had known each other, and there he was listed in the Resources page with the West Greenland kayak from 1959.
Here's Cameron's (Kenneth Taylor's) blog where he recounted stories of his kayaking adventures in Scotland and Greenland, with lots of photos. Cameron was such a charming and interesting man, always a pleasure to talk to.
posted by chantenay at 2:18 PM on June 17, 2023 [1 favorite]

Not exactly relevant to the story, but for those who have an interest - I went to an event earlier this month to watch the celebration as our local Native Alaskan community launched a canoe designed along traditional lines but built using modern materials. The finished craft is quite cool and it makes me happy to see local tribal members out paddling it around and teaching another generation of young people about their history.

Preserving the knowledge and use of traditional craft is important to many communities.

It's also nice to have one last design from the artist whose decorations adorn the canoe. He lived down in Washington for most of his later years but Marvin Oliver was an artist with deep connections to this community and a lot of friends and respect here.
posted by Nerd of the North at 4:37 PM on June 17, 2023 [1 favorite]

That's a beautiful story NotN! Shortly before the pandemic started, I was trying to organize a workshop to learn how to build a kayak using traditional designs but modern materials. That fell through for a host of reasons and I panic purchased a canoe right as the lockdown started, but I've always had a soft spot for a good kayak - I'd love to have a look at that museum. The northwest coast where its located seems to be a hot spot for kayaks. While I was researching skin-on-frame construction I came across Cape Falcon Kayak, another builder in Portland who draws from traditional boats, while also branching out into original designs that draw on other influences.
posted by cubby at 5:51 PM on June 17, 2023 [1 favorite]

Next up: Traditional watercraft where there are no whales/seals/walruses.
posted by fairmettle at 4:29 AM on June 18, 2023

Canadian History Museum: Traditional Birch Bark Canoes.

The Canadian Canoe Museum is currently on the move but they have ~600 canoes, kayaks and other paddled watercraft in their collection with many documented on their website.
posted by Mitheral at 9:20 AM on June 18, 2023