Beaver Pendant

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. Silver ornaments continue to be produced by native silversmiths in Central Canada and the USA. 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.

personal ornamentation

A hollow silver beaver with engraved lines on the body and a crosshatched tail. Two eyes. A ring with a hole for the nose. "Quebec" in a cartouche on the back.