Until Cindy and I attended an exhibit in Chicago years ago, I did not realize that Native Americans were very quick to copy other folk's art forms that they encountered. This exhibit had hundreds of such objects that I would never have guessed to be made by Native Americans (and I have collected and bought and sold art much of my life).
Among the objects displayed was a wooden bicycle. From across the room one would not realize it was made of wood, it was so perfectly proportioned and natural looking. The entire thing was carved in Tiger Maple and was quite beautiful. As I recall, the chain was said to be carved from one piece of wood! The bike seemed to be functional, but I am trying to think how that could be as the hubs were of wood, too. Don't recall what the brakes (if any) were like. Sure wish we had digital cameras back then.
Tom Sanders
Lansing, Mi USA