Double-hole Kayak (Baidarka), circa 1929
King Island, Alaska
Gift of the Old Town Canoe Company

For thousands of years, the kayak was the only form of transportation in its native coastal environment. It is the perfect boat for hunting in arctic waters because it is seaworthy and can be propelled close to the prey without making much noise. First Nations people used the craft to hunt walrus, seal, and sea otter, and the animals provided food, clothing, and a watertight covering for the kayak.

Normally a kayak carries one person. Two-person kayaks like this one were probably developed during the period when Russians recruited native Alaskans to hunt sea otters and carry passengers.