Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Hudson's Bay point blanket
A Hudson's Bay point blanket was a type of wool blanket traded by the Hudson's Bay Company in western Canada and the United States during the 18th and 19th century. The blankets were typically traded to First Nations/Native American peoples in exchange for beaver pelts. In the point system, a blanket of higher point value was heavier and warmer. Each point indicated a cost in beaver pelts (around five U.S. dollars in the currency value of the day). Thus a three-point blanket (moderately good warmth) was traded in exchange for three beaver pelts. Blankets were in varying colors and design
Many point blankets have survived into the 21st century and have become collectors items. The Oregon-based sculptor Marie Watt (part Seneca) has used point blankets in her sculpture work, which was exhibited in 2004 at the National Museum of the American Indian in New York City.
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