The canoe depict on this USA stamp is a birch bark canoe used by the Chippewa Indians in Minnesota in the 1800s.
Birch Bark canoes vary in size, shape, and style, but essentially are all built the same way. The construction process begins by gathering large, straight pieces of birch bark. The bark was harvested in the summer months when it was easiest to peel off of the tree. Harvesting bark this way allowed the trees to be un-harmed in the process. Cedar trees were then cut down to be used as the frame for the canoe. This rigid frame keeps the shape of the canoe while it is being built. The next step is to gather roots from trees such as the spruce, which will be used to hold the canoe together, similar to rope and string. Once the cedar is made into the frame of the canoe, the birch bark is then wrapped around the frame. The roots are used to stitch the birch to the frame and keep it in place. Over 500 feet of spruce roots can be used on a single canoe. These roots are also used for sewing different pieces of birch bark together so that there are no gaps between the different sections of bark. The last step is planking and ribbing the canoe, which is basically lining the bark with wood, usually cedar, so that it keeps its shape and makes it more sturdy. Seams were then sealed with a mixture of pinesap and animal grease. Paddles were then hand carved from single pieces of birch wood.
USA 1990 05c sg2485 and 2487, scott2453/54
https://amin210.wikispaces.com/Birch+Bark+Canoes