Muskrat

Unidentified, Muskrat, before 1997, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase made possible by Mrs. E. C. Hobson, 1997.124.203
Copied Unidentified, Muskrat, before 1997, 1 1⁄2 x 6 3⁄4 x 3 in. (3.8 x 17.1 x 7.6 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase made possible by Mrs. E. C. Hobson, 1997.124.203
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Artwork Details

Title
Muskrat
Artist
Unidentified
Date
before 1997
Location
Dimensions
1 1⁄2 x 6 3⁄4 x 3 in. (3.8 x 17.1 x 7.6 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase made possible by Mrs. E. C. Hobson
Classifications
Subjects
  • Animal — muskrat
Object Number
1997.124.203
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1997.124.203

Artwork Description

North American hunters have used decoys for centuries. Native Americans made decoys from reeds, clay, and stuffed skins to lure migrating birds within range of their arrows or spears. European pioneers adopted this technique, and by the early nineteenth century both commercial and sport hunters used carved wooden decoys. Craftsmen shape and decorate decoys either to imitate the desired bird’s prey or “trick” them into thinking it is safe to land.