Additionally, the blankets provenance is also an important factor. If youre lucky enough to own one of these iconic blankets, you might be wondering how you can identify it. Despite the high price tag, the Hudson Bay Blanket remains popular among consumers. As a way of illustrating the importance of company fur traders to the 100-year-old HBC collection, curator Amelia Fay pulls out three items donated by Julian Camsell, HBC Chief Factor for the MacKenzie District in Canada's Arctic. Chief factor for the HBCs Columbia District, John McLoughlin, informed the company in 1845 to make blankets resembling the more favourably-designed American point blankets: The American Blanket though generally inferior to ours, meets a readier sale with Indians in consequence of its gaudy color and we beg that those we have ordered may be made in respect of color and texture fully equal to the samples. Therefore, when the Coast Salish preferred a purer white colour, the HBC complied. Each line serves a distinct function, and when taken as a whole, they produce a pattern that conveys information about its subject. Hudson Bay blankets are distributed by Woolrich and offer the same style and design that has been so popular since the 1700s. valuable information about the history of the point blanket. The wool used in the blankets is sourced from a rare breed of sheep that only lives in the remote regions near the Hudson Bay, making the supply limited. Well, it turns out that these blankets are actually quite well-made. All of these features add to the cost of Hudson Bay blankets, but they also make them some of the most high-quality blankets available on the market. The story originates in a notorious series of letters from the 1763 Pontiac Uprising in Fort Pitt, Pennsylvania, in which Jeffrey Amherst, Commander-in-Chief of British Forces in North America, encouraged the use of blankets infected with smallpox as a means of biological warfare: You will Do well to try to Innoculate [sic] the Indians by means of Blankets, as well as try every other method that can serve to Extirpate this Execrable Race. While there was an outbreak of smallpox among the Indigenous peoples around Pennsylvania that spring, the disease had already been in that area, and it is therefore unknown if Amhersts thoughts were put in action. On the other hand, if one is to take into consideration each of these aspects, it is possible to recognize a Hudson Bay blanket with a fair amount of ease. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 110.00 sounds like a fair (not great) price if it is in decent condition. ), Today, the distinctive design of point blanket strips has been used as part of the HBC Collection brand on products ranging from umbrellas to smart phone cases. The most important factor in buying a Hudson Bay blanket is the quality. However, other colors may also be used. Rinse off all the soap, suds and bubbles. It still exists as a commercial company and is active in . Rebecca Belmore Watch this YouTube video of artist Rebecca Even today, Hudson Bay blankets are seen as a symbol of success and prosperity. By 1929, the HBC launched a full line of blanket coats for women, men and children. Lastly, the company has a long history dating back to the 1600s, which gives them a lot of brand recognition and prestige. There are lots of small businesses that sell Hudson Bay Blankets, so youre sure to find one that fits your style perfectly. Hudson Bay blankets can be found in a variety of sizes, including 3.5, 4 and 6 point sizes. This iconic piece of Canadiana is known for its thick, 100% wool woolen fabric and classic design. While the HBC acknowledges that smallpox decimated Indigenous populations across Canada, it states that its company had nothing to do with the use of smallpox blankets as biological warfare. In fact, the company claims that HBC employees tried to stop the spread of disease by practicing quarantine and providing care for the infected. This wool is then spun into a thick yarn that is very durable. Curriculum The Hudsons Bay Company still produces this style of blanket as well, and it has become a symbol of Canadian heritage. They have since become popular and are available in different colors and styles. Check out our hudson bay blanket selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our blankets & throws shops. They remain a popular choice among collectors and are an authentic piece of American history. During the reign of Queen Anne (1702-1704), red, indigo, green, and yellow were particularly popular. It can also be dry cleaned in a professional dry cleaner, if youd prefer not to wash it by hand. Whether used for clothing, home decor, or even artwork, the Most Expensive Fabric is a symbol of opulence and affluence. Occasionally, therefore, the wool used in the Hudsons Bay Point Blanket mixed with traditionally-sourced wool to form a new creation. Well, it turns out, I was wrong. This is because they are made from some of the finest materials available. In addition to being water-resistant, the blankets are versatile enough to be utilized in any climate. Due to the fact that they are so thick and warm, these blankets are perfect for making use of during the winter months either as bedding or as clothing. The high cost of labor makes Hudson Bay blankets some of the most expensive on the market. The blankets are usually made out of wool, which makes them soft and cozy. Then there are the military (both domestic & foreign), cheaper yet . However, by taking into account all of these factors, it is possible to identify a Hudson Bay blanket with relative ease. The blankets were typically traded to First Nations and Native Americans in . We wanted to continue to reduce that fatality risk by 50 percent. They were first created in the 1700s by British traders working for the Hudsons Bay Company. Age, condition, size, and provenance are all important considerations. There is no set meaning behind the colors on the blanket, but they have a particular historical significance. (See alsoChilkat Blanket.). They are warm, thick, and cozy. While Hackett has yet to find proof of this, he has heard oral histories that reference similar practices. All Rights Reserved. The rarer blankets are also more valuable because people want them more than others due to their uniqueness or history associated with them. But why are they so expensive, and what makes them worth the investment? Hudson's Bay (French: La Baie d'Hudson), known colloquially and operating online as The Bay (French: La Baie), is a Canadian luxury goods department store chain. It will usually include a yellow on white label, which is a hallmark of authenticity. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. The 6-point Hudsons Bay wool blanket is sure to keep you warm and cozy all winter long! document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Masters Scholarships at University of Laval is current, How To Recharge Telkom Airtime 2023: Telkom possesses, The PDP Medical Form: One of the prerequisites that, Job Vacancies in Mauritius Post Office 2022 Are you, Capitec Learnerships 2023: Individuals who meet the, Scholarships for African International Students These, The Top 10 Best High Schools In Pretoria 2023: The. Cree artist Kent Monkman uses the point blankets in his series of paintings, Shame and Prejudice: A Story of Resilience, as a representation of the imperial powers that dominated and dispossessed Indigenous people of their land and livelihood. In 2011, Anishinaabe artist Rebecca Belmore created the video installation The Blanket, which features Winnipeg dancer Ming Hong rolling down a snow-covered hill in a point blanket. Blankets are collectible too, and none more so than the famous Hudson Bay blankets of Canada. By the 1990s, that number was 1 death for every 1.3 million passengers. Blankets played an important role in many Indigenous communities as all-purpose clothes and household items, as well as status symbols. The Hudson Bay Blanket is a type of blanket that has been utilized by indigenous peoples for a considerable amount of time. by chloe calories quinoa taco salad. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. Each blanket line is named for an Aboriginal tribe and has a particular meaning. The story told by the lines on a Hudson Bay blanket is unique to each individual blanket and can vary depending on where the blanket was made. The first step in identifying a Hudson Bay blanket is to determine its color and design. First, theyre made with high-quality materials. These new colours were not favored by the tribes at first but quickly became popular. In the early days, all blankets were made of wool, which provided warmth and was resistant to fire. The British and early North American citizens used them to warm themselves and protect their belongings. The point blanket has become an icon of Canadian style, often featured in Canadian home and style magazines and blogs. They are dry clean only, so keep that in mind. They come in a variety of styles and colors that allow you to find one that suits your tastes. (See also Religion and Spirituality of Indigenous Peoples.) In fact, a real one can cost more than an entire bedroom set. They can be a great investment if they are kept in good condition. However, the reason for their expensive price is that there is a high demand for them. The Hudson Bay Company produces some of the coziest and most coveted blankets in the entire world. Following the selection of the color and the pattern, the next step is to choose the material that will be used. 10/4/15 8:52 p.m. Even though it comes with a hefty price tag, the Hudson Bay Blanket continues to be a customer favorite. or Best Offer. Chiefs blankets were made for high-ranking Native American chiefs and are much rarer. The first thing you need to do in order to recognize a Hudson Bay blanket is to examine its pattern and coloration. Buying a Hudson Bay blanket is a great way to own a piece of Canadian history. But how good are Hudson Bay blankets, really? be careful with the foreign wool blankets. People desire certain blankets more than others due to the fact that they are one-of-a-kind or have a significant amount of history associated with them, and these blankets tend to be rarer. Sadly they no longer make blankets. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive in 2023: The Hudson Bay blanket is widely regarded as one of Canadas most iconic exports and for good reason. The wool used in the blankets is sourced from a rare breed of sheep that only lives in the remote regions near the Hudson Bay, making the supply limited. One popular design is the Glacier Stripe line, which was introduced in 1916. For centuries, these blankets have been reserved for the wealthy and elite. If youre looking for a top-of-the-line blanket that will last a lifetime (and then some), this is definitely the way to go. These blankets are still manufactured today, despite the fact that the manufacturing process has unquestionably evolved over the course of the years. Explore presents the Hudson's Bay Company - Part 4 (3): Treasures of the fur trade. Hudson Bay blankets are made of very high quality wool, sourced from New Zealand. However, they are worth every penny. Hudson Bay blankets are some of the most iconic and recognizable blankets in the world. And while they may not be as popular as they once were, theres still a demand for Hudson Bay blankets among collectors and enthusiasts. She loves learning new things and appreciates the little things in life. Vintage Blankets. Point blankets were also sometimes used in the potlatch, a gift-giving feast practiced by various First Nations communities in the Pacific Northwest, including the Haida, Tlingit, Nuu-chah-nulth, Kwakwakawakw and Coast Salish. While historians arent certain of this, they have heard oral history references to similar practices. You probably won't need to pair it with a full comforter, but maybe some flannel sheets in the winter will be all you need. What Grass Grows Best in Shade in Georgia? Your email address will not be published. Whether youre looking for a new blanket to keep you warm this winter or youre looking for something to take with you on your next camping trip, a Hudson Bay blanket is sure to fit the bill. Finally, Hudson Bay blankets are also cherished for their history. Enjoy snuggling up under it knowing that youre wrapped in history! As a direct consequence of this, the production of a single blanket might take up to two days. Blanket from this educational YouTube video. many are a wool blend with a certain percentage of other fibers woven in. The reason why Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive is because of the superior construction and materials that go into making them. The Hudson's Bay Company, a fur-trading enterprise headquartered in London, began operations on the shores of Hudson Bay in 1670. Also Religion and Spirituality of Indigenous peoples for a considerable amount of time wash! Artist rebecca even today, despite the fact that the manufacturing process has unquestionably evolved over the course of point! Brand recognition and prestige keep that in mind Bay point blanket mixed with traditionally-sourced wool to form new! 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