Beaver Pendant

About this object

History of use

Initially, the main sources of silver were British, French, and Spanish coins. Most ornaments were produced by silversmiths of European origin in North America and Europe. By the mid-18th century silver objects were produced in New England, Quebec and Montreal. 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.

Cultural context

trade; personal ornamentation; political alliance

Physical description

A hollow beaver with tail markings and a hole in the nose. There is a corroded stamp on the back.