Model of ocean-going boat used for transportation and trade, according to Chisato Dubreuil. Base is carved wood. Side panels attached with rope threaded through holes drilled in the wood. 5 carved wood supports (seats?) wrapped with rope inside. Wood handles near each end. Stern end has decorative medallion made of carved wood, with the tri-swirl motif painted black. Made for the 1999 NMNH exhibit "Ainu: Spirit of a Northern People" using traditional Ainu materials and techniques. See related objects/accessories, incuding sail, masts, rope, rudder and oars, #s E430624-0, E430625-0 and E430626-0.
A photo of canoe model maker Masahiro Nomoto beginning work on making the canoe model is illus. Fig. 24.7 p. 186 of Fitzhugh, William W., and Chisato O. Dubreuil. 1999. Ainu: spirit of a northern people. [Washington, D.C.]: Arctic Studies Center, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution in association with University of Washington Press. Another photo of Masahiro Nomoto is Fig. I.2 p. 9 and Fig. 49.6 p. 365 of same publication.