Band Item Number: 1590/272 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Half armband with four perforations for ties. Slightly rolled border on top and bottom. First Nations person full profile figure with bow and arrow engraved in centre. Maker’s mark stamped on bottom right corner.
Silver ornaments represent an important part of early exchange between Europeans, including fur traders, and First Nations peoples, 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 peoples as a sign of rank. Silver ornaments in these styles continue to be produced by native silversmiths in central Canada and the U.S.A.
trade; personal decoration; status