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Tsimshian Society and CultureMen's ActivitiesWoodworkingHousehold objects were usually made from the wood or bark of the red cedar tree. The wood split easily into boards, from which boxes were made to satisfy every need from cradle to grave. Harder woods, like yellow cedar, spruce and maple, were used for tools and weapons.
The red cedar, with its remarkable qualities, was essential for houses, canoes, ceremonial screens and masks. Several large planks could be split from standing trees without felling them. They were then split again with wedges and mauls, and planed with stone adzes into the desired size and shape. With jade and shell chisels, and bone drills it was possible to make complex joints and fasten the boards together securely.
The ocean-going war and trading canoes, made of giant red-cedar logs, were a testament to the woodworking skills of the Tsimshian. Only traces of these achievements (like canoe paddles) are preserved in the bog-like deposits adjacent to ancient village sites. The men felled the trees, then split them into planks for building houses. Master carvers and their apprentices produced beautifully sculpted wooden objects, including masks, rattles, headdresses and boxes.
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