Dugout Pirogue, early 20th century
Pearl River, Louisiana

Large cypress trees were once plentiful in the bayou region of Louisiana. Pirogues made of cypress last a long time under normal usage because the wood repels water and resists decay. It also has a strong grain pattern, giving the canoe an attractive and distinctive look.

Perfectly suited to the bayou environment, pirogues are used for hunting, fishing, communication and transportation across a large region of the state.