The Malone Lake Canoe: An Historic Craft from the Tombigbee River, Mississippi.
Abstract
In February 1981 the canoe was transported to the University of West Florida Archaeological Laboratory in Fulton, Mississippi, carefully examined, and placed in a fiberglass-over-plywood vat. The canoe then underwent a preservation treatment which consisted of submersion in increasing concentrations of polyethylene glycol. The canoe was constructed from cypress (Taxodium sp.), with metal tools, and later had been vandalized. The canoe is 7.3m (23.9 ft) long with a square stern and pointed prow implying a undirectional type of craft. Two recessed parallel bottom channels are present which are stabilizing keel-like mechanism for operating in a flowing riverine environment. Historical research indicates a 291-year period from 1541-1832 in which the canoe could have been built aboriginally using metal tools and a radiocarbon date of 280 + minus 50 years was obtained from a gunwale section. The probable construction date is late 18th to early 19th century. Cultural affiliation is not certain and it could have been constructed by late Chickasaw, white frontier, or black frontier populations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA126507
Entities
People
- Barbara A. Purdy
- George F. Macdonald
- Judith A. Bense
- Raymond F. Willis
Organizations
- University of West Florida