Indian Girl Model Canoe

There is no single, original origin of the basic and nostalgic canoe. With its many various shapes, forms and sizes the original canoe was a common form of water transportation for many aboriginal groups on the North American continent.

Its varying design characteristics were dependent upon the environment of its intended use. Some of the original crafts were covered like the modern day kayaks while others had a high bow and stern.

The early canoes used in the Great Lakes or the East Coast were much larger and built sturdier than those used for the inland to accommodate the larger bodies of water and immense waves they may encounter while sailing. The petite prairie canoes were considerably smaller, appearing to be built for one person or even single crossings.

The early Canoes were made of readily available, locally found materials. Often using a light wooden frame or skeleton (often of cedar) with a birch bark exterior or skin, the practical and brilliantly built canoes were designed to be extremely durable yet amazingly light.

They were designed to travel in a multitude of water conditions varying from large and massive lakes to fast and or shallow water. Their incredible lightness allowed them to be portaged easily over marshy areas.

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