The Making of a Mishoon
One of the most popular recurring displays on the Historic Patuxet Homesite is the construction of mishoonash (canoes). Earlier this season, Educators on the Homesite began making a new mishoon, which will amplify Indigenous culture, heritage, lifeways, and community education.
This summer, Educators and Culture Keepers on the Historic Patuxet Homesite are creating a new mishoon—a traditional dugout canoe that has been used by Wampanoag People for thousands of years. Crafted using traditional techniques passed down through generations, the project offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness this living cultural practice firsthand during their visit to the Historic Patuxet Homesite.
The mishoon is shaped through the carefully controlled process of burning and scraping a single 35-foot white pine log. The project reflects the enduring knowledge, craftsmanship, and traditions of Wampanoag People, whose culture and communities continue to thrive today.
This project will culminate in a Sacred Paddle in September serving as part of the commemoration of the 350th anniversary of the end of King Philip's War.
