Description
Yukatat Tlingit Canoe Model — 19th Century
Artist: Tlingit artist Materials: Yellow cedar with red, black, and blue pigments
Dimensions: 24 5/8″ L × 6 5/8″ W × 5 3/8″ H
A finely carved Yukatat‑regional Tlingit war canoe model, dating to the 19th century, executed in yellow cedar and retaining its original polychrome paints. This early form displays the classic pronounced bow and stern associated with head canoe models—an architectural profile that reflects the powerful maritime traditions of the Northern Tlingit.
The model’s large size and strong sculptural presence set it apart from typical tourist‑trade examples. The hull’s curvature, flare, and proportion show the hand of a carver familiar with traditional canoe‑building practices. The original pigments—red, black, and blue—remain vibrant, emphasizing the canoe’s form and cultural significance.
This is an excellent early example of a Yukatat canoe model, notable for its scale, authenticity, and well‑preserved surface. A compelling piece for collectors of Northwest Coast maritime forms and 19th‑century Tlingit carving
