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. Animal imagery is a significant part of Woodlands 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.

trade; personal ornamentation; political alliance

A hollow beaver with flat plate on underside, intricate crosshatching on the tail, markings on paws, engraved eyes and a ring at the nose. There is a poorly defined stamp on the back.