Tasse à canot de voyageurs

 

A peek into a lesser-known slice of North American history that blends practical wilderness gear with exquisite indigenous artistry. Voyageur canoe cups, or "tasse à canot," functional items that evolved into cultural treasures from the fur trade era, echoing the voyageurs like our ancestor Joseph Vielle dit Cossé—these cups would have been everyday essentials for guys like him, dipping into lakes mid-paddle without missing a stroke.

The historical context rings true: these were indeed carved from tree burls (maple, birch, etc.) using tools like crooked knives, often adorned with motifs from nature, and hung from belts via hide cords and toggles for easy access. The tradition persisting into modern times until water safety concerns kicked in. 

Drifting Cowboy's Atikamekw-made cup (above) is beautifully detailed with the burnt-wood fish designs—evocative of the "lake whitefish" the meaning behind the Atikamekw name itself. 

And his smaller 1899 Minnesota find, possibly for a child, has that personal, heartfelt vibe; the incised vine and leaves suggest Woodland Indian influences, which fits the region's styles.

In 2022, Petr Luňák who is both an anthropologist and a gifted artist carved a beautiful iconic Beaver canoe cup (above) for him, so he gave it a place of honor in his Living Room on the fireplace mantel. It sits beside a canoe Drifting Cowboy carved nearly 40 years ago.

A PBS Antiques Roadshow appraisal of a similar Native American canoe cup at $15,000–$20,000 underscores their rarity and collectible appeal—it's described as a "fabulous piece" that seldom hits the market.