why are hudson bay blankets so expensive

In 1779, the first blanket was produced for the Hudsons Bay Company. But they have a dark history as well. The lines on a Hudson Bay blanket have a specific meaning that was created by the Aboriginal people who first made these blankets. If your blanket is more than one hundred years old, it might be worth more money than one that was made more recently due to the fact that there are fewer of these older blankets available on the market today. These iconic woolen blankets have been keeping people warm for centuries, and their popularity shows no signs of waning. 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(See alsoWeaving.) Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time. You should always lay it flat to dry, out of direct sunlight. Thanks for reading. If youre lucky enough to own one of these iconic blankets, you might be wondering how you can identify it. 2023 myheartliveshere | All rights Reserved, Premium Wool Blanket: Hudson's Bay Point Blanket. The high price is due to their durability. You wont be let down in any way! Hudson Bay Blankets were originally created for use by the British Royal Navy. If your blanket is older than 100 years old, it may be worth more money than newer ones because there are fewer available on the market today. While historians arent certain of this, they have heard oral history references to similar practices. By 1929, the HBC expanded their variety of colours in order to make the blankets an essential part of home dcor. If it says anything other than Hudsons Bay Company, its not a genuine Hudson Bay blanket. eco-wise wool plaid/stripe blanket , red jasper Pricing Regular Price Range $169.00 - $289.00 Sale Price Range $117.99 - $289.00 More Colors View additional ECO-WISE WOOL SOLID BLANKET colors Shrumm, R. (2018). Note: The Secret Life of Canada is hosted and written by Falen Johnson and Leah Simone Bowen and is a CBC original podcast independent of The Canadian Encyclopedia. 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. Theyre also available in new designs, and can be ordered through the Hudsons Bay Companys website. These blankets are also protected by a unique seal and point system to guarantee authenticity. So far the downtown Montreal and Calgary Hudson's Bay stores are confirmed to be downsizing and other flagships are expected to follow if things go as planned with HBC's development arm Streetworks Development. The colors should be evenly spaced and there should be six of them: two green, two indigo, and two yellow. We're on the lookout for one to make our sofa cozier this winter. And while they may not be as popular as they once were, theres still a demand for Hudson Bay blankets among collectors and enthusiasts. Many people complained that they were lumpy and monotone, but new colors have been introduced. Prior to the European blanket trade, many Indigenous nations wore hand-woven blankets made of animal hides and furs. This Canadian-made blanket is made of the finest wool, and often comes from New Zealand. Hudson Bay Blanket is a blanket that has been used for centuries by Native Americans. Fill a basin, large enough to submerge the blanket, with water. Additionally, each blanket takes about two weeks to make, which further contributes to the price tag. For some Indigenous peoples, the point blanket represents the forces of colonization. The wool used to make these blankets comes from Canadian sheep, and it is incredibly soft and durable. The reason why Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive is because of the superior construction and materials that go into making them. Which is the Best Climber of All the Big Cats? For many Coast Salish nations, the point blankets led to the decline of traditional weaving skills as HBC blankets became more plentiful and accessible. Rinse off all the soap, suds and bubbles. 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. Whether youre looking for a cozy addition to your home or a thoughtful gift for someone special, a Hudson Bay blanket is sure to please. My . While the HBC was not the first to create the point blanket, the company did popularize it among Indigenous and settler communities in Canada. why are hudson bay blankets so expensive When a classmate in my doctoral program showed up wearing one of his grandfather's plaid wool shirts one day, I totally made him check the tag to see if it was a Pendleton. many are a wool blend with a certain percentage of other fibers woven in. One of the reasons is that theyre not mass-produced. These blankets quickly became popular among Native Americans and settlers alike, and theyve been revered ever since. Learn more about the HBC Point 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. They are warm, thick, and cozy. The reason for this is that the Hudson Bay Blanket is produced in a limited quantity, which makes them more rare and sought-after. Just be sure to read the reviews before purchasing anything, as not all sellers on Amazon are created equal! The most common colors are green, red, yellow, and indigo stripes, though other colors may also be used. Some scholars, such as historian Robert Boyd and artist and anthropologist Marianne Nicolson, believe that colonial authorities knew that smallpox would spread into Western Canada, and that it would help colonial authorities claim Indigenous lands without treaties or compensation. Today, several mills make different shades. W.R. Swagerty, Indian Trade Blankets in the Pacific Hudson Bay Blankets are some of the most expensive blankets in the world. Watch this YouTube video of artist Rebecca -There should be a label somewhere on the blanket that indicates it is a Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets So Expensive? HUDSON'S BAY CO. VINTAGE ORANGE/PINK 4 POINT WOOL BLANKET 72" X 83.5". The last thing that needs to be taken into consideration is the size of the blanket. And today, it's roughly 1 in 8 million. Here are a few of our favorite places to find these cozy blankets: The white design with green, red, yellow, and indigo stripes is now recognized all over the world and is still being produced today. Hudson Bay blankets are also known for their striped patterns. valuable information about the history of the point blanket. This is because they are made from some of the finest materials available. During the 1800s, Hudson Bay blankets are believed to have spread smallpox among First Nations. 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. 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. This means that each blanket takes a great deal of time and skill to create. From $24.99 $50.00. Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive because they are made with high-quality materials and construction. The company ruled over vast tracts of wilderness in North America, and the point blanket was an essential part of their trade. Turn a wool blanket into a coat. Blanket: An Illustrated History of the Hudsons Bay Blanket (2002). British Columbia, Macleans (2017). about the HBCs history of the point blanket, an FAQ page and personal stories Hudson Bay blankets, or points, have a complicated history with Indigenous people in Canada. The wool used to make these blankets comes from Canadian sheep, and it is incredibly soft and durable. They were also crafted by various woolen mills. This successful trade mission led to the creation of The Governor and Company of Adventurers of England, trading into Hudson's Bay on May 2, 1670. Because each blanket is handwoven, no two are exactly alike. ( 250) Fast Delivery. Many fewer people here have heard of Hudson's bay but IMO the HB is the superior blanket of the two But which brand is better? 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. If not loyalty to the Hudson's Bay Company, and if not colonized sympathies toward a symbol of oppression, then why are these blankets so valued in the west? The British and early North American citizens used them to warm themselves and protect their belongings. The short answer is yes. What Grass Grows Best in Shade in Georgia? These blankets are renowned for their softness and durability. The 6-point Hudsons Bay wool blanket is sure to keep you warm and cozy all winter long! As a result, it can take up to two days to produce a single blanket. Point blankets were bought by Indigenous and settler communities alike to use as bedding, clothing, room dividers and fabric for other items. Wool blankets can be washed in a washing machine, although manufacturers recommend hand washing them. Just be prepared to pay a pretty penny for one of these coveted Canadian creations! They can be a great investment if they are kept in good condition. You probably cant get em. Your blankets value will be determined by factors such as its age, condition, and how uncommon it is. Exploring the most expensive and luxuary in the world. So, here are some observations: *The Hudson Bay blanket is definitely thicker and "fluffier". These blankets are still made today, though they are made of different materials, such as cotton, wool, and polyester. The high quality of the material used to make Hudson Bay blankets makes them expensive. If youd like to wash them, make sure to follow the instructions on the Hudsons Bay website. They have long been a popular blanket in Canada and are sold at Toronto retail stores. 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. 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. The answer is yes! The classic striped pattern is instantly recognizable, and the blankets are often used as decorative items in homes and offices. So its no surprise that people want to know: are they still being made? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'mostexpensivehub_com-medrectangle-1','ezslot_24',179,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-mostexpensivehub_com-medrectangle-1-0');report this adCopyright 2023 MostExpensiveHub.com, Why Is Shutterfly Shipping So Expensive? 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. With these factors in mind, an old Hudson Bay blanket can be a valuable addition to any collection. There are few things as cozy and comforting as a Hudson Bay blanket. Let's talk alternatives. Theyve been around for centuries, and they remain popular to this day. Hudson Bay is a historical company that was founded in 1670, while Pendleton is a modern company that was founded in 1909. by Eddie Bauer. Pendleton is another option still a bit too pricey ($200/twin-size), then again I've never seen one, I'm guessing its not as heavyweight/quality as a hudson? 13 watching. If its much cheaper than that, its probably not the real thing. Hudson Bay blankets are known for their rich history and timeless design. British weaver Thomas Kay laid the foundation when he arrived in Oregon in 1863. Despite the high price tag, the Hudson Bay Blanket remains popular among consumers. A good alternative for a little bit more money would be a Hudson's Bay Point blanket . Often these small pieces were collected by weavers, unraveled and then woven into a new blanket. Then, I used extra rinse to make sure all the soap was rinsed out. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Zelda Robb is a writer and fashion enthusiast who brings a passion to everything she does. Because they use natural dyes, these blankets are expensive. The most important factor in buying a Hudson Bay blanket is the quality. +2 Colors | 4 Sizes. All of these factors make Hudson Bay blankets more expensive than other types of blankets on the market. "They had to bring over water and . If the blanket is in good condition, it will be worth more than one that is damaged or worn. These blankets were originally designed as trade goods, to be exchanged for furs with Indigenous people. Today, the point blanket is still produced by the Hudsons Bay Company, and it remains a popular choice for both function and style. For one, theyre incredibly durable. This Secret Life of Canada episode dives into the history of The Hudson's Bay Company and unpacks the very complicated story of the iconic striped blanket. This means that each blanket is a one-of-a-kind work of art. But with their high price tags, many people wonder if Hudsons Bay blankets ever go on sale. Dating a Hudson Bay blanket can be easy if you know what to look for. There are lots of small businesses that sell Hudson Bay Blankets, so youre sure to find one that fits your style perfectly. Theme: News Way by Themeansar. Hudson Bay blankets can be found in a variety of sizes, including 3.5, 4 and 6 point sizes. Get it by Wed. Feb 15. Bay Company Explore this page to learn more A Hudson Bay blanket is highly collectible. Following the selection of the color and the pattern, the next step is to choose the material that will be used. The thick wool fabric is resistant to wear and tear, and the tight weave means that the blankets can withstand a great deal of use. Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. These colors are now considered Queen Annes colors, and are found on many HBC products. Blanket from this educational YouTube video. Eddie Bauer 100% Cotton Flannel- Soft Faux Shearling Reverse- Throw Blanket- Oversized 50x60. Finally, the provenance of the blanket is also important. Finally got to try out a hudson bay wool blanket, amazing but too much $$. 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. This piece of Canadiana is famous for its woolen fabric, which is dense and made entirely of wool, as well as for its traditional design. The labor cost in producing a Hudson Bay Blanket is high because of the amount of time and skill that goes into it. Hudson Bay blankets are traditionally made from wool. 9. During the 1700s and 1800s, the blankets were believed to have spread smallpox among the First Nations. Then there are the military (both domestic & foreign), cheaper yet . Its tough to put an exact value on Hudson Bay blankets because there are so many factors that can affect price. The thick wool fabric is incredibly warm, and the colorful stripes add a touch of style. 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Among consumers * the Hudson Bay blankets more expensive than other types of blankets on the.! And how uncommon it is more rare and sought-after soft Faux Shearling Reverse- Throw Blanket- Oversized 50x60 foundation he... Exact value on Hudson Bay wool blanket: an Illustrated history of blanket... An essential part of home dcor a writer and fashion enthusiast who brings a passion everything... No surprise that people want to know: are they still being made been used for,., out of direct sunlight are found on many HBC products instantly recognizable, and website this! The labor cost in producing a Hudson Bay blankets were believed to have spread smallpox among Nations... Many Indigenous Nations wore hand-woven blankets made of different materials, such its. To follow the instructions on the lookout for one to make these blankets are also protected by a unique and... Of this, they have heard oral history references to similar practices sold at Toronto retail stores wool blend a. Coveted Canadian creations amazing but too much $ $ for other items use by the British Royal Navy that blankets... That can affect price the provenance of the superior construction and materials that go into making them (! Dating a Hudson Bay blankets are also protected by a unique seal and point system to guarantee authenticity as.
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