 Haida Canoes
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Masterfully designed canoes of many sizes and forms were carved from solid logs, usually of red cedar but in some areas Sitka spruce or cottonwood was used. Typically the canoes were widened beyond the original diameter of the log by the spreading of the steam-softened sides. Spreading does more than widen the canoe; it introduces major changes of form throughout the hull which the canoe maker must anticipate in carving the log. The straight and level gunwales bend smoothly out and down, while the ends rise, forming a graceful sheer, and transforming a rigidly narrow, hollow trough into an elegant watercraft. The prows and sterns of these canoes were often carved to resemble birds or other animals as a way of displaying the artist’s skill. Tribes throughout the Northwest region traded for canoes crafted by the Haida.The front of this canoe is decorated with a carving of a wolf and a painting of a killer whale. The carved decoration is more typical of the Bella Bella Indians than the Haida, and implies that the canoe was sold to a Bella Bella chief, who added his own embellishments. No matter who is responsible for its individual components, the Haida Canoe is a masterpiece of artistry and virtuoso building.
SPREADING THE CANOE
In order to spread without splitting, the walls of the hull are made remarkably thin. When the hull is completely carved, water is poured into it to a depth of approximately six inches, and heated to boiling with red-hot rocks. The resulting steam is confined by covering the open hull with mats. The hot rocks are replaced as needed to keep the water at a boil. The softened sides, heated through by the steam inside and fires outside, begin to move outward, aided by the weight of water and rocks pressing down in the center. Spreading sticks are tapped into place between the gunwhales, and are moved towards the ends and increased in length in the center as the sides flare outward. When the planned beam and form are reached, the canoe is allowed to cool, the water is removed, and the thwarts, bow and stern blocks, and gunwhale caps are fitted and fastened in place. Large traveling and war canoes were often painted with designs associated with the names of the canoes or the crests of the owners. The Haida reputedly made the biggest ones - some 60 feet (18 meters) long.[1]
In 1978, Geordie Tochler and two companions, sailed a 3½ ton, 40 foot (12 meter) dugout canoe (the "Orenda II"), made of Douglas Fir, and based on Haida designs (but with sails), from Vancouver, Canada to Hawaii to add credibility to stories that the Haida had traveled to Hawaii in ancient times. They traveled some 4,500 miles (7,242 km) after two months at sea.[2][3]
Painting: Spreading the Canoe by Bill Holm 1992
Sources
[1] Pacific Northwest Coastal Indians website
[2] Robert Stall, "A man, a tree and an ocean to cross." Maclean's magazine, March 5, 1979, pp. 4-6.
[3] Peter Speck. "Orenda recalled." North Shore News. November 22, 1978, pp. 2 and 12.
Haida Canoe image from: American Museum of Natural History
