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An Illustrated History of Canoe/Kayak

By George Sayour, About.com

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How Native People Made Canoes and Kayaks

Tribal Canoe in Foxwoods Casino

This model tribal canoe is on display in the Mashantucket Pequot Museum at the Foxwoods Casino.

© by Mario Tama / Getty Images
Early canoes were made of wood and hollowed out trees. The earliest kayaks were composed of frames made from the bones of whales and from pieces of wood. Animal skin was stretched around the frame of the kayak and was treated with fat to keep the kayak waterproof. Most of what we know today about ancient canoe and kayak design comes from the native tribes still in existence around the world.

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Nick Laham / Getty Images

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