Traditional Peoples of Grays Harbor (Photo Diary)

7888 photo DSCN7888_zpsc686c6fb.jpg

The Polson Museum in Hoquiam, Washington, has a room dedicated to “Common Land, Uncommon Cultures: Traditional Peoples of Grays Harbor.” Shown below are some photographs from these displays.  

7871 photo DSCN7871_zps03e26cc1.jpg

7884 photo DSCN7884_zps14eaacc8.jpg

Shown above is an iron harpoon point. At the time of first contact with the Europeans, Indians were already familiar with iron. They made items such as the one shown above from meteorite iron.

7885 photo DSCN7885_zps8106ddcd.jpg

7887 photo DSCN7887_zps55387144.jpg

7886 photo DSCN7886_zpscfc38494.jpg

7889 photo DSCN7889_zpsd83f16fd.jpg

7890 photo DSCN7890_zps5c3558a5.jpg

7901 photo DSCN7901_zpscca0b012.jpg

7906 photo DSCN7906_zps50255e39.jpg

Canoe paddles such as those shown above were designed with pointed ends. On the return stroke, paddlers rotated their paddles 90 degrees and kept the tips in the water to prevent water drips from spooking their prey. If done properly, the operation was virtually silent. In addition to providing stealth, the pointed ends also serve as stakes for the canoe when driven into the beach. The dark stain on the paddles was created by slightly charring the wood and rubbing it down with seal or salmon oil.

7909 photo DSCN7909_zps48ed2da6.jpg

7912 photo DSCN7912_zps00a0ad1c.jpg

7913 photo DSCN7913_zpsdeab36a7.jpg

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*