Brooch Item Number: 1590/191 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Very thin circular silver brooch. Outer border has half-moon cutouts with engraved zigzag line undulating between cutouts. Central pattern in shape of a star, each tip ending in a circular boss. Central hole surrounded by cutout half-moon pattern and engraved line. Cross-pin bent and secured through the hole.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 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. 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.
Cultural Context
trade; personal decoration; status
Specific Techniques
Roulette engraving produces a uniform zigzag, an identifying feature of this technique, and is created by using a revolving disk with sharp teeth.
Item History
- Made by Joseph Sasseville (Manufacturer) in La Pocatiere, Quebec, Canada between 1760 and 1821
- Owned by Kathleen E. Reif before September 9, 1993
- Received from Kathleen E. Reif (Donor) on September 9, 1993
What
Who
- Culture
- Eastern Woodlands
- Creator
- Joseph Sasseville (Manufacturer)
- Previous Owner
- Kathleen E. Reif
- Received from
- Kathleen E. Reif (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- La Pocatiere, Quebec, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- between 1760 and 1821
- Ownership Date
- before September 9, 1993
- Acquisition Date
- on September 9, 1993
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 1590/0191 a-b