Brooch Item Number: 1590/171 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Circular ear wheel with 9 cutout hearts separated by 18 small circular cutouts, all surrounding a central circular cutout. Pin is missing.

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 U.S.A. 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.

Cultural Context

trade; personal decoration; status