Carved from a single piece of wood (often the burl section of a tree), the canoe – or belt – cup was a necessary piece of equipment for both Native and white canoemen who participated in the Fur Trade (the height of which took place between the 1680’s to the 1870’s). Of particular renown were the French-Canadian voyageurs who transported fur pelts hundreds of miles on the Great Lakes and along waterways to rendezvous points.  Long hours of paddling required a quick way to drink from the waters that they traveled on.

Simple in concept but affording the individual a highly adaptable medium for artistic expression, the cup and attached belt toggle were carved and sometimes painted in a variety of themes.  The rotund beaver in this example is seen clutching a branch as he reinforces his home.  The toggle is carved in the likeness of two pinecones.

Length 5 ½”  toggle 2 ½”     Was $850 Not available SOLD