Establishment of the Fur Trade
The establishment of the fur trade began in the early 16th century. It started with fisherman from Europe trading fish for pelts. The relationship between Indigenous peoples and European men started from trading on the shore while fish would dry
(Foster & Eccles, 2019).
It began as fisherman trading their rich catches of cod with Indigenous peoples. This trade relationship started out well and was beneficial to both parties.
Indigenous peoples would wait on shore for European fishermen and would trade furs for fresh meat, cloth goods, metal and other supplies.
Fashion, Gifts, Symbolism
Associations of Fur
Why was the fur trade so important?
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Gift Giving
Gifts between Tribes
Indigenous people historically used furs as gifts between their communities. This showed great respect for communities and was a gift that had many uses.
Gifts for European Traders
Furs provided Indigenous people with the opportunity to get technologically advanced weapons. Both the Huron-Wendat and Haudenosuanee tribes were supplied guns by European allies.
Gifts from Traders to Europeans
Beaver pelt hats grew in popularity in Europe. The demands for hats grew and traders would use them as gifts. They used them to curry political favour or just to gain favour in general.
Fashion
How fashion defined the fur trade.
Beaver pelt hats and clothing became the height of fashion in Europe which meant an increase in demand.
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Beaver hat manufacturing improved with the rise of the first industrial revolution which simplified the technique of beaver hat production.
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The greater demand led to the hiring of more worker and even higher demand.
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This unfortunately led to monopolization and attempting to control the price of beaver pelts, even driving up the market for Indigenous peoples.
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Author of Establishment
