Subject: Re: baidarka More About Paddles
From: RCH3149@aol.com
Date: Fri Mar 03 2000 - 20:04:26 EST
In a message dated 00-03-02 11:46:08 EST, Chuck Holst writes:
<< Anyway, this type of paddle is totally unlike those used in Baffin Island
or Greenland for at least the last 150 years, which lends support to John
Brand's speculation that the classic Greenland paddle shape is a fairly
recent development. >>
Research in England and Germany during the 1980s produced the theory that the
square ended paddles we emulate today were a result of contact between the
Inuit and European whalers. The latter were perceived to possess superior
technology (ships, boats, iron and steel ... guns) and it seems likely that
the shape of the whalers' oar blades was adopted by the Inuit in consequence.
To add fuel to the fire, Viking oars have been found that were leaf shaped
and apparently were used for rowing seriously "in action" rather than on
merely ceremonial occasions.
In other words, the use of leaf shaped blades likely pre-dates the use of
square ends even beyond the realm of the kayak / baidarka. Anyone out there
with objective comparisons? Harvey Golden?
Ralph Hoehn
Stamford CT
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