Brooch Item Number: 1590/115 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Double-outlined heart brooch, decorated on front with engraved circles and crosses. Slightly concave. Crown-like shape above hearts. Has maker's mark.

History Of Use

Silver ornaments represent an important part of early exchange between Europeans, including fur traders, and First Nations people, especially in eastern and central Canada and the USA. Initially, the main source of silver was British, French and Spanish coins. Most ornaments were produced by silversmiths of European origin in North America and Europe, and were actively traded only from 1760 to 1821. By the mid-18th century silver objects were produced in New England, Quebec and Montreal. Silver was used by First Nations people as a sign of rank. Silver ornaments in these styles continue to be produced by native silversmiths in central Canada and the USA. Brooches were the most popular and numerous silver ornaments. They were worn on the chest, but also in the hair. Frequently, many were worn at once in rows across the chest.

Iconographic Meaning

Double-heart brooches, known as Luckenbooth brooches, were often Scottish love tokens.