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This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

Description

Large metal breastplate with three horizontal pieces of metal that connect to two vertical pieces of metal on either side. The top horizontal piece has an incised scalloped design, three cut-out diamond designs in the centre, and two cut-out heart shapes at the ends. The middle horizontal piece has three cut-out heart shaped designs that alternate with two cut-out oval-shaped designs. The bottom horizontal piece has eight staggered cut-out triangular-shaped pieces. Small beaver pendants hang from the bottom of each row. The horizontal lines are separated with two large cut-out heart designs that cut-out crosses in the centre. The vertical pieces have cut-out oval-shaped designs on them.

History Of Use

Breastplate or cradle cover. Early European settlers brought with them breastplates and open-helmets with gorgets as protection against arrows (reference Hamilton, page 69). The collector, Reif, referred to this piece as a breastplate, quoting the National Museum of Man “Canada’s Visual History”, Series 1, vol. 6, Item 30, but also acknowledged that it is considered by some to be a cradle cover.

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.

Narrative

At a time of intense competition for furs, the North West Company was formed in 1784 by a number of independent trading groups. By 1821 this Company faced bankruptcy and merged with the Hudson’s Bay Company.

Item History

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