Artifacts from this time period are often embellished with intricate and colourful designs made from these tiny beads. Seed beads were sometimes used on clothing in much the same way as quills and larger beads were used. It is at this time that changes in motifs occur, moving from linear, geometric designs to curves and floral work. A shift in the cultural and physical environment is reflected in a transformation in art. The use of beads began replacing quills as the HBC employees reached the north. The environment continued to inspire art, but the influence of artistic traditions in Europe can be seen. Victorian style floral patterns came from missionaries teaching embroidery. A shift from the representational to the literal began. Instead of triangles or squares representing flowers, we start to see literal flowers in vibrant colours. Forget-me-nots, wild roses, and pansies were common in this area. More de-
tailed information on the analysis of motifs can be found in A Special Gift: The Kutchin Beadwork Tradition by Kate Duncan and Eunice Carvey and Out of the North by Barbara Hail and Kate Duncan. In addition to clothing women continued to bead other personal items including rifle cases, hunting bags, fire bags, knife sheaths, baby belts, and more. The establishment of the trading posts and the growth of the fur trade resulted in many economic changes and opportunities for First Nations people. There was a shift from a predominantly subsistence lifestyle to an emphasis on trade. This introduced new materials and styles as well as new ways of working. Men dedicated more time to fur trapping and women, as a result, had to dedicate more time to tanning hides for trade. It is impressive that even with this new work load First Nations people were
still able to meet all of their family’s subsistence needs as well as participate extensively in the trade. Women also participated in “market” sewing or the fabrication of garments for individuals outside of their family in exchange for goods, credit, or currency.
Photo: Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Archives.