c. 1839 Minnesota Historical Society Paddle

Here's a beautifully carved paddle from the Minnesota Historical Society Collection found via this page on the Fur Trade.


Some research on the MHS site revealed the following details:

Wood paddle has a long slim tapering blade. The flat grip has a concave indention at its base and elaborate carving on its remainder. Carved design includes a curved cross, a shield with a diamond and scroll band, and diamond shapes filled with cross-hatching. There are also the carved initials "W. D.", which may not be original. Donor states that the paddle was found near Stillwater, Minn., following a battle between the Ojibwa and Dakota, ca. 1839. Paddle is purported to have belonged to a voyageur.