DCHP-1 Online

watap [< Algonk., perhaps through Cdn F; cf. Ojibwa watappi, Cree wutupe]

• n. the fine roots of various evergreen trees, especially of the white spruce, used by the Indians as a thread or string in sewing. Also spelled watape, wattap.

  • 1761  (1901)  The small roots of the spruce-tree afford the wattap, with which the bark is sewed [for a canoe].
  • 1798  (1918)  Each canoe had . . . a few Hambro lines [and] a bundle of watap. . . .
  • 1808  (1889)  Their hats, which are made of wattap, have broad rims and diminish gradually to the top, some make use of cedar bark painted different colours, resembling ribbon for hats.
  • 1821  (1900)  Around this the Bark is sewed by the slender and flexible Roots of the young Spruce Tree called Wattape and also where the pieces of Bark join so that the Gunwales resemble the Rim of an Indian Basket.
  • 1961  [Caption] Makakons, chief of the Barrieres . . . is making watap from the roots of the white spruce, to be used in sewing a canoe.