Canoe cups, olômkwakwikwatsizak

Many cultures had similar utensils and they were probably used for personal drinking cups. These are carved from butternut and black cherry. I use a non toxic beeswax and oil finish treatment. Butternut is lightweight and easy to carve but is endangered by a disease called butternut canker. Black cherry is a beautiful wood but more difficult to carve. All my wood comes from storm trees.  Photo shows several stages of crafting. Two of my examples have a leather thong and toggle for hanging from a belt or sash (noggins/kuksas).

  Patrick Lamphere, “Blackhand” VAAA, St. Francis/Sokoki Band, Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi #65954