Google Doodle celebrates creation of kayak 5,000 years ago

Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Friday's Google Doodle celebrates Native American Month by spotlighting the history of the kayak or "hunter's boat" 5,000 years ago.

Created by Inuit Nunangat guest artist Natashia Allakariallak, the black and pink artwork shows a lone figure paddling a watercraft on a lake near a mountain with an orange sun replacing one of the "O's" in "Google."

"These small and narrow watercraft were created thousands of years ago for hunting, fishing, and transportation. Kayaking has since evolved into a widely popular recreational activity and competitive sport," Google said on its website.

"Native American communities in arctic regions are to thank for these paddle-powered boats. Kayaks were originally invented by Northern tribes including Inuit, Aleut, Inupiat, and Yup'ik and made with animal skins, bones, and driftwood to help traverse cold waters. These boats offered hunters the stealth and mobility to successfully catch fish, seals, whales, and more in even the most treacherous waters."