This means that each blanket is unique, and takes a great deal of time and skill to create. 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. 10 Reasons Why. Belmore argues that while the blanket is an object of beauty, a collectors item that belongs to the Hudsons Bay Companys history, it is, for many Indigenous peoples, still viewed as a trade item that once contained the gift of disease.. Hudsons Bay Company (HBC) is a Canadian retail company that sells a wide range of products, including blankets. Theyre also highly collectible. From $24.99 $50.00. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. The blankets originally appeared in early Canadian trading posts, where they were used as currency and fashioned into robes. The first step in identifying a Hudson Bay blanket is to determine its color and design. The Hudson's Bay Company, a fur-trading enterprise headquartered in London, began operations on the shores of Hudson Bay in 1670. So if youre considering purchasing a Hudson Bay blanket, keep reading for more information. 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. 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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. Hudson Bay blankets are very expensive, and theyre also fragile. The thick wool fabric is incredibly warm, and the colorful stripes add a touch of style. The trick is in the drying: you must gently press or blot the water out by wrapping it in towels NEVER WRING THE BLANKET. Last Edited. They are dyed with natural dyes that can be expensive, and they are hand-woven. Secondly, they are hand-woven which adds to the cost. However, their high price is due to their high demand. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that only the best blankets are sold, and explains the higher price tag. How Can You Tell If a Hudson Bay Blanket is Real? The high cost of labor makes Hudson Bay blankets some of the most expensive on the market. The answer to the question, Can Hudson Bay blankets be washed? is a resounding yes. You can safely wash a wool Hudson Bay blanket by hand with a mild detergent and a gentle cycle in your washing machine. 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. "Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. Canada This short video provides more The bold stripe design is instantly recognizable, and it adds a touch of flair to any room. Theyre warm, durable, and versatile, making them a great choice for all sorts of different applications. (See alsoFashion Design in Canada.). 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. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets So Expensive? Hudson Bay Point Blankets were heavy wool blankets made in the 1700's and 1800's to be traded amongst fur trappers in Canada and the native Indian tribes that lived there. They have since become popular and are available in different colors and styles. This iconic piece of Canadiana is known for its thick, 100% wool woolen fabric and classic design. why are hudson bay blankets so expensive . But what is it that makes Hudson Bay blankets so special? The 6-point Hudsons Bay wool blanket is sure to keep you warm and cozy all winter long! 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. This type of weave is extremely strong and resistant to wear and tear. The blankets first appeared in trading posts around the 1700s, and they served as a form of currency. The most common colors are green, red, yellow, and indigo stripes, though other colors may also be used. Often these small pieces were collected by weavers, unraveled and then woven into a new blanket. 1. 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. Their blankets are of excellent quality in my opnion. These blankets are also not mass-produced, so theyll last for many years. All of these factors make Hudson Bay blankets more expensive than other types of blankets on the market. Originally produced in British North America, Hudson Bay blankets are now shipped worldwide. valuable information about the history of the point blanket. Although they may be expensive, Hudson Bay Blankets are worth the investment because they will last for many years. Today, the design from the blanket is used on a variety of clothing, accessories and household items sold by the HBC. 10. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. They can be machine washed and dried, making them easy to care for. Hudson Bay Blankets are some of the most expensive blankets in the world. If its much cheaper than that, its probably not the real thing. Even today, Hudson Bay blankets are seen as a symbol of success and prosperity. That would make it a very, very expensive blanket - well travelled though. The wool used to make these blankets comes from Canadian sheep, and it is incredibly soft and durable. These blankets are handmade, using a centuries-old technique. (See alsoChilkat Blanket.). These blankets quickly became popular among Native Americans and settlers alike, and theyve been revered ever since. These blankets were made by the Hudson Bay Company in the 18th and 19th centuries. If youre looking for a cozy blanket that will make a statement, Hudson Bay is the way to go. At that time they were highly sought after for being very warm in the brutal Canadian winters. There are few things as cozy and comforting as a Hudson Bay blanket. These blankets are renowned for their softness and durability. A full point measured 4 - 5.5 in. Whether used for clothing, home decor, or even artwork, the Most Expensive Fabric is a symbol of opulence and affluence. It is the flagship brand of the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), the oldest and longest-surviving company in North America as well as one of the oldest continuously operating companies in the world. 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. Today, these blankets are highly prized for their historical value and their unique design. 0 bids. with Wool: A Coast Salish Legacy and the Cowichan Sweater (2010). They reflect the trading system for beaver pelts and the early North American colonies. The most important factor in buying a Hudson Bay blanket is the quality. The wool used is of a very high quality, and it is often sourced from New Zealand. Your email address will not be published. In fact, a real one can cost more than an entire bedroom set. The iconic Hudson's Bay point blanket has a complicated history with Indigenous people in Canada. 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. Exploring the most expensive and luxuary in the world. They were also used as robes by the tribes. Reason to Buy: The Army Medic blanket by Faribault Military was inspired by the design of wool blankets made for foot soldiers in the early 1900s and is both comfortable and durable. The production of a Hudson Bay Blanket requires a significant investment of both time and expertise, which results in a high wage requirement for the workers involved. History. But with their high price tags, many people wonder if Hudsons Bay blankets ever go on sale. ". Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. Hudson Bay blankets are distributed by Woolrich and offer the same style and design that has been so popular since the 1700s. But which brand is better? Hudson Bay Blanket is a blanket that has been used for centuries by Native Americans. -There should be a label somewhere on the blanket that indicates it is a Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. The fact is that wool is warm even when wet, dries quickly and is easy to sew. The high cost of labor is another reason why Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive. The history of Pendleton Woolen Mills is one of opportunity, exploration and innovation. The reason for this is that the Hudson Bay Blanket is produced in a limited quantity, which makes them more rare and sought-after. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. One of the reasons is that theyre not mass-produced. Curriculum In 1811, a new style of coat was created using the point blanket: the Mackinaw, a shorter coat with a double-breasted style. A Hudson Bay blanket is highly collectible. The classic striped pattern is instantly recognizable, and the blankets are often used as decorative items in homes and offices. Theres no doubt that Hudson Bay blankets are some of the most well-made and expensive blankets on the market. Wool or cotton is typically used in the production of Hudson Bay blankets. 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. Rebecca Belmore Watch this YouTube video of artist Rebecca They also have a very strong distribution network, which helps them to sell their products to retailers at a high price. The following are detailed reasons why are Hudson Bay Blankets so expensive: The Hudson Bay blankets are some of the most expensive blankets on the market. The point blankets colors are an icon of Canadian style. While this is a very expensive blanket, they have been around a long time for a reason. 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. 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