Bullboats and Figures

Description

The semisedentary tribes of the upper Missouri used a form of water transportation called a bullboat. The framework of these circular vessels was made of willow. The hoops and crosspieces are visible in Plate 297. Over this was stretched raw buffalo hide which was then stitched to the rim and allowed to dry. Heavy, tough bull hides were used and the name "bullboat" derives from this material. The boats were durable, capable of carrying heavy loads of firewood or other necessities, and yet were light enough when dry to be easily transported on the back of a woman (see the small sketch in Plate 296). Although there is no clear identification of these four sketches, it is likely that they are Mandan scenes done in the summer of 1833 at Fort Clark.