Alaska, Inuit
Circa 1900
Skin, wood, bone, sinew
Length 28" (71.1 cm)
Provenance: Alan Wardwell, New York
Model kayaks were produced by Inuit craftsmen as scaled replications of the single-person hunting vessel essential to Arctic sea mammal hunting, demonstrating mastery of the construction techniques, proportions, and equipment of the full-size craft. The kayak was the primary hunting vessel for individual seal and sea mammal pursuit across Arctic Alaska, its narrow skin-covered frame designed for speed, maneuverability, and low visibility on the water. Models of this type made circa 1900 document the complete equipment and fitting of the working kayak before the widespread adoption of western boat forms altered traditional construction.
At 28 inches this is a large-scale model, complete with a dressed figure in paddling position and the full complement of hunting implements fitted to the hull, reflecting the maker's intent to document the vessel in its fully equipped state. The skin covering, lashing, and fittings are intact, and the scale and completeness give the model the authority of a craftsman's demonstration piece rather than a simple souvenir. Provenance traces to Alan Wardwell of New York, a distinguished curator and scholar of Native American and Arctic art.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Alaska, Inuit
Circa 1900
Skin, wood, bone, sinew
Length 28" (71.1 cm)
Provenance: Alan Wardwell, New York
Model kayaks were produced by Inuit craftsmen as scaled replications of the single-person hunting vessel essential to Arctic sea mammal hunting, demonstrating mastery of the construction techniques, proportions, and equipment of the full-size craft. The kayak was the primary hunting vessel for individual seal and sea mammal pursuit across Arctic Alaska, its narrow skin-covered frame designed for speed, maneuverability, and low visibility on the water. Models of this type made circa 1900 document the complete equipment and fitting of the working kayak before the widespread adoption of western boat forms altered traditional construction.
At 28 inches this is a large-scale model, complete with a dressed figure in paddling position and the full complement of hunting implements fitted to the hull, reflecting the maker's intent to document the vessel in its fully equipped state. The skin covering, lashing, and fittings are intact, and the scale and completeness give the model the authority of a craftsman's demonstration piece rather than a simple souvenir. Provenance traces to Alan Wardwell of New York, a distinguished curator and scholar of Native American and Arctic art.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
