Curriculum A full point measured 4 - 5.5 in. Occasionally, Coast Salish women would sew in folds and add borders to adjust the size and form of the point blankets for ease of use. Secondly, they are hand-woven which adds to the cost. People from all over the world adore Hudson Bay Blankets due to the fact that they are not only warm but also comfortable and fashionable. The yarn is also dyed using natural dyes, which can be costly. There is no set meaning behind the colors on the blanket, but they have a particular historical significance. 10. Required fields are marked *. While the company has changed hands several times over the years, it is still in operation today and continues to sell its well-known blankets. However, there are some claims that these blankets helped spread smallpox among the First Nations during the 1700s and 1800s. Identifying a Hudson Bay blanket can be a daunting task. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. But why are they so expensive, and what makes them worth the investment? Once the color and design have been determined, the next step is to identify the material. These warm blankets are as iconic as Mariah Carey's lip-syncing, but some people believe they were used to spread smallpox and decimate entire Indigenous communities. The 10 Most Expensive Soccer Balls on the Market, Why Are Patek Philippe so Expensive? While the production process has certainly changed over the years, these blankets are still being manufactured today. Hudson's Bay Company, corporation that occupies a prominent place in both the economic and the political history of Canada. The Hudson Bay point blanket has a complex history with Indigenous people in Canada. $19.99 shipping. These blankets were originally produced by the Hudsons Bay Company in the early 1800s, and they quickly became a staple of life in the American West. While the HBC was not the first to create the point blanket, the company did popularize it among Indigenous and settler communities in Canada. Additionally, the blankets provenance is also an important factor. Here are a few things to look for: -The blanket should be made of 100% wool. Whether used for clothing, home decor, or even artwork, the Most Expensive Fabric is a symbol of opulence and affluence. The blankets are also machine-washable and dryer-safe, which means that they will last for many years. Just be prepared to pay a bit more for the privilege. Unlike wool blankets, these blankets are made with a synthetic material thats resistant to moisture and mildew. Because the company invests a significant amount of money in advertising and promotion, the marketing cost of the Hudson Bay Blanket is significantly higher than average. Well, it turns out, I was wrong. For the white Europeans, the Hudson's Bay point blankets represented the fur trade and pioneering settlements of the vast Canadian wilderness. The blankets were usually large, insulating, and thick. Although they may be expensive, Hudson Bay Blankets are worth the investment because they will last for many years. These blankets are marketed as luxury items, and the company spends a great deal of money on advertising and promotion. Some of the famous woolen mills in the United States and England produced these blankets. In conclusion, Hudson Bay blankets are expensive for several reasons. 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. 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. Over the years of fur trading, the design of point blankets grew to accommodate the preferences of various Indigenous nations. HUDSON'S BAY CO. VINTAGE ORANGE/PINK 4 POINT WOOL BLANKET 72" X 83.5". The high cost of labor is another reason why Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive. Youll pay a lot of money for a Hudson Bay blanket, but youll have peace of mind knowing that youre getting a quality blanket. There are a lot of different aspects to think about, such as the color and pattern of the blanket, the fabric its made out of, and the size of the blanket. Similarly, a rare or limited edition blanket will be worth more than a mass-produced one. Canada This short video provides more A blanket thats been well-cared for and is in excellent condition will obviously be worth more than one thats been abused or is in poor condition. They are toasty, plush, and comfortable to wear. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets So Expensive? Hudson Bay Blankets are some of the most expensive blankets in the world. why are hudson bay blankets so expensive. When I asked the CEO of Amtrak in 2021 about why the company's train tunnel beneath the Hudson River would cost $11 billionmany times more than similar projects in peer countrieshe . However, the reason for their expensive price is that there is a high demand for them. Turn a wool blanket into a coat. about the HBCs history of the point blanket, an FAQ page and personal stories For one, theyre incredibly durable. All Hudson Bay blankets must undergo a rigorous inspection process before they are sold. When determining the value of your blanket, the condition of the blanket is another factor to consider; if there are any rips or holes in the blanket, then it will not fetch as much money as one that is still whole. with Wool: A Coast Salish Legacy and the Cowichan Sweater (2010). The Hudsons Bay Company (HBC) had been trading blankets since the company incorporated in 1670. Trade blankets were so popular on the West Coast that British weavers altered the colours of designs to meet local demand. People from all over the world love Hudson Bay Blankets because they are warm, comfortable, and stylish. Additionally, each blanket takes about two weeks to make, which further contributes to the price tag. Plus, they come in a variety of colors and styles, so theres something for everyone. The wool used is of a very high quality, and it is often sourced from New Zealand. information about the Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. The Bay: This is probably the most obvious choice, and for good reason. It has a variety of stripes in various hues and each one has a distinct meaning. And now Barbie, the biggest name in make . Today, the design from the blanket is used on a variety of clothing, accessories and household items sold by the HBC. History. One popular design is the Glacier Stripe line, which was introduced in 1916. The answer is that it depends on your personal preferences. One of the most popular items to come out of Canada is the Hudson Bay blanket. Content Summary. Although they are not typically discounted throughout the year, Hudsons Bay does offer sales on these blankets from time to time. Your email address will not be published. The blankets are also finished with a thick fringe that adds both beauty and durability. Wool blankets in general, and especially Pendleton's, are very warm and durable. They were also used as robes by the tribes. Shrumm, Regan. So, here are some observations: *The Hudson Bay blanket is definitely thicker and "fluffier". But among the native people of North America, the wool blankets symbolized the evils colonialism and the introduction of deadly diseases . (2002). Compared to wool blankets, Hudson Bay blankets tend to be warmer. Founded in 1670, the Hudsons Bay Company is the oldest commercial corporation in North America. Once it arrives at the mill, the wool is dyed and woven into cloth using a centuries-old method known as pointing.. Occasionally, the HBC would produce blankets for special events or anniversaries; for instance, for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, a royal purple blanket with white stripes and point was produced. $140.00. Hudson Bay blankets are expensive due to their exquisite quality and craftsmanship. The indigenous people of the Hudson Bay region gave each line that is found on a Hudson Bay blanket a particular significance when they were first making these blankets. Chiefs blankets were made for high-ranking Native American chiefs and are much rarer. In fact, the iconic Hudsons Bay point blanket was first produced in the 1780s and has been a best-selling product ever since. The blankets can be utilized in a variety of ways, including as clothing, as bedding, or simply as something to wrap oneself in on a chilly evening. 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. A genuine Hudson Bay blanket will cost around $300-$400 USD. 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. Our team will be reviewing your submission and get back to you with any further questions. why are hudson bay blankets so expensive. The name point comes from the French word empointer, meaning thread. A full point was roughly 10 cm long, while a half point was half that length. about the HBCs history of the point blanket, an FAQ page and personal stories Zelda Robb is someone you will always enjoy spending time with. Hudson Bay Blankets are a popular choice for many people because they are very affordable and they offer a wide variety of designs to choose from. Hudson Bay blankets are distributed by Woolrich and offer the same style and design that has been so popular since the 1700s. My . Vintage Hudson Bay blankets are highly sought after by collectors and history buffs alike. 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. They are made of high-quality wool, usually sourced from New Zealand. In 1779, the first blanket was produced for the Hudsons Bay Company. Although a new blanket may cost up to $3,000, you can be sure that youre not paying a beavers life savings to create a replica. Additionally, the long history of Hudson Bay blankets makes them highly sought-after by collectors. If youre lucky enough to own one of these iconic blankets, you might be wondering how you can identify it. Do you ever cuddle up with a throw blanket when watching TV or reading books? A real Hudson Bay blanket will also be made from 100% wool. Dating a Hudson Bay blanket can be easy if you know what to look for. 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. Though the points on the blankets did not have an inherent value, merchants during the fur trade often priced point blankets according to the number of points on the blanket, with one point assigned for small blankets and four points designated for very large blankets. Once the color and design that has been so popular on the Coast. In 1779, the design of point blankets grew to accommodate the preferences of Indigenous... 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