The exchange of furs with native hunters for goods brought from Europe was based on a barter system. Significant factors in the trading relationship were the supply of fur, the demand for fur in Europe (which was subject to cyclical fluctuation) and native demand for particular trade goods. French traders primarily sought beaver pelts, known as staple fur , but accepted other types such as marten, mink and otter, known as "fancy fur". The natives in exchange sought various metal items, including kettles, knives, awls, hatchets, guns and hooks, as well as clothing and blankets. At the same time luxury items such as beads, silver, tobacco and brandy were traded. For more information about the trade, see Canada's Visual History, volume 6, "Indian Trade and Ceremonial Silver: A Cultural Exchange".
Courtesy: National Museum of Natural Sciences, National Museums of Canada, National Film Board of Canada
