The Northeastern Wabanaki groups (Penobscot, Abenaki, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet, and Mi'kmaq nations) of Vermont, Maine and Eastern Canada had a history of being guides for white-men wishing to explore the regions rivers and lakes—to this end they made available drinking cups that they crafted or were crafted in centers for trade.

These ‘canoe cups’ were crafted from hardwoods and burls and often had sporting motifs carved upon them. This example is carved from maple and has a jagged border carved along its edge—the whole, when turned upside down, looks to represent a duck’s head and bill.