Necklace

Animal imagery is a significant part of Woodland First Nations tradition, but no documented instance has been found of the use of animal effigies in trade. The place of effigies in Woodlands culture is not known.
In 1670 King Charles II of England granted an exclusive fur trading charter to the Hudson's Bay Company in what was later to become Canada. The company's mandate was to protect the crown's interests and undertake exploration and territorial expansion. Competition for furs was intense, and in 1784 the North West Company was formed by a number of independent trading groups. By 1821 this company faced bankruptcy and merged with the Hudson's Bay Company. This latter company still exists today, operating a number of retail stores across Canada, and is known simply as The Bay.

trade; personal ornamentation; political alliance

Necklace with a large medallion strung with beads of glass and silver. The blue beads, silver bead and yellow black alternate. The medallion has a scalloped edge with half moon cutouts, two raised circles and a central round motif with four scenes. The scenes from the top include an animal, star, pipe, half moon, fire, sun, clouds and rain. There are five beavers hung from the bottom of the medallion. Maker's mark is stamped at bottom of medallion and 'HB' on each beaver.