Hudsons Bay Artifacts

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Hudsons Bay Artifacts
The Point Blanket
By Maribeth 9-05
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Introduction

• Point Blankets have been a familiar article of
  trade for over two centuries.
• When it first came out Canada was still
  developing as a country.
• Many voyageurs and fur traders were passing
  through.

Picture from http//www.nwtrader.com
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A Blankets History

• Over two centuries old.
• Familiar article of trade in North America and in
  Canada.
• First introduced in 1780.

Picture from http//www.hbc.com
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What It Was

• Blanket was made with specially selected wools
  from all over the world.
• Water resistant, soft, warm, and strong.
• Standard size of one point blanket was 2 feet, 8
  inches wide, 8 feet in length and weighed 3lbs 1
  oz.

Picture from http//www.nwtrader.com
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What It Was Used For

• First reference of the point blankets use was in
  1781.
• For camouflage, originally made for winter use.
• Kept people warm.
• Popular with the Aboriginals

Picture from http//www.ocbtp.com
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What It Was Made Of

• Blends of wools from England, Wales, New Zealand,
  and India.
• Had colored stripes including indigo, green, red,
  and yellow.

Picture from http//www.nwtrader.com

• Wool was dyed before spun.
• Air and sun dried to brighten colors.

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How It Assisted the Fur Trade

• Kept voyageurs and fur traders warm.
• Traded by both Aboriginals and HBC men regularly.
• Also made into coats.

Picture from http//www.nwtrader.com
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The Point Blanket Today

• Still sold across Canada at Hudsons Bay Company
  stores.
• Available in a variety of styles.
• Today, one point blanket can cost up to 100.00.

Picture from http//www.nwtrader.com
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Short Answer Quiz

• Click here to do quiz

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References

• The Hudons Bay Company, http//www.hbc.com/hbc/
  e_hi/historic_hbc/point_blankets
• Parkscan,
• http//parkscan.harbour.com/fl/blankete
• OBC Trading Post,
• http//www.ocbtp.com/Witney
• Collections Canada,
• http//collections.ic.gc.ca
• Northwest Traders,
• http//www.nwtrader.com

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The End