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. One of his recommendations included regular stock and trade of pointed blankets. Religion and Spirituality of Indigenous Peoples. So if youre in the market for a new blanket, be sure to check out the Hudson Bay line. Joshua Ostroff, How a Smallpox Epidemic Forged Modern They are toasty, plush, and comfortable to wear. The rarer blankets are also more valuable because people want them more than others due to their uniqueness or history associated with them. about the HBCs history of the point blanket, an FAQ page and personal stories Sadly they no longer make blankets. At that time they were highly sought after for being very warm in the brutal Canadian winters. Check out our hudson bay blanket selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our blankets & throws shops. Hudson Bay blankets are very expensive, and theyre also fragile. Each blanket is woven by hand, using a centuries-old technique. In addition, they are available in a wide range of hues and designs, making sure that there is something suitable for everyone. Yup! According to the HBC, the hue and colour order in the famous white and colour-striped point blanket were not standardized until the mid- to late-19th century. Hudson's Bay Point Blankets were traditionally made in plain red, white, green or blue background, with a single bar (called "heading") of indigo on either end. about the point blanket. How can you tell if a Hudson Bay blanket is real? A real Hudson Bay blanket will also be made from 100% wool. All of these factors make Hudson Bay blankets more expensive than other types of blankets on the market. These blankets have been made in Canada for centuries, and they have a rich heritage that is deeply intertwined with the countrys identity. They can be machine washed and dried, making them easy to care for. Their blankets are of excellent quality in my opnion. Additionally, the blankets provenance is also an important factor. During the next century and a half, it gradually expanded its network of trading posts west across Canada. Trade blankets were so popular on the West Coast that British weavers altered the colours of designs to meet local demand. If youre looking for a truly unique and luxurious blanket, the Burberry Prorsum Poncho is a perfect choice. All Hudson Bay blankets must undergo a rigorous inspection process before they are sold. Amazon: Amazon also has a great selection of Hudson Bay Blankets, and they often have them at very reasonable prices. In fact, the iconic Hudsons Bay point blanket was first produced in the 1780s and has been a best-selling product ever since. 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. But if youre looking for a blanket that will make a statement, Pendleton is the brand for you. (2002). In addition, there is still a demand for Hudson Bay blankets among collectors and enthusiasts, despite the fact that their popularity may not be as high as it was in the past. (See also Cowichan Sweater. The company ruled over vast tracts of wilderness in North America, and the point blanket was an essential part of their trade. Lastly, the company has a long history dating back to the 1600s, which gives them a lot of brand recognition and prestige. They were also crafted by various woolen mills. Hudson Bay blankets are typically made from wool or cotton. Signing up enhances your TCE experience with the ability to save items to your personal reading list, and access the interactive map. In addition, the blankets are made entirely by hand, which adds to their cost. -The blanket should have a woven selvedge along both sides. But what makes these blankets so special? So its no surprise that people want to know: are they still being made? The Hudson Bay Blanket is a type of blanket that has been utilized by indigenous peoples for a considerable amount of time. In addition to being water-resistant, the blankets are versatile enough to be utilized in any climate. They remain a popular choice among collectors and are an authentic piece of American history. Blankets played an important role in many Indigenous communities as all-purpose clothes and household items, as well as status symbols. You can still get authentic Hudsons Bay blankets, and theyre just as cozy and attractive as ever. So, there you have it: three reasons why Hudson Bay Blankets are so expensive. First, the condition of the blanket is important. Because they use natural dyes, these blankets are expensive. The cost of marketing of Hudson Bay blankets is also a factor in their high price tag. Services Canada Learn more about the HBC Point Compared to wool blankets, Hudson Bay blankets tend to be warmer. 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 have been around for centuries, and can be a perfect gift for a Canadian friend or family member. If it says anything other than Hudsons Bay Company, its not a genuine Hudson Bay blanket. 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. In addition to this, they have a very robust distribution network, which enables them to charge high prices for the products that they sell to retailers. Following the selection of the color and the pattern, the next step is to choose the material that will be used. As a result, it can take up to two days to produce a single blanket. While it is not known exactly when Hudsons Bay Company started selling blankets, it is clear that they have been an important part of the company for many years. Rinse off all the soap, suds and bubbles. The yarn is also dyed using natural dyes, which can be costly. The Bay: This is probably the most obvious choice, and for good reason. Prior to the European blanket trade, many Indigenous nations wore hand-woven blankets made of animal hides and furs. The high price tag reflects this luxury status, and makes Hudson Bay blankets an excellent gift for someone special in your life. One variety of blanket is known as a Hudson Bay blanket, and this particular style of blanket was first manufactured in England before being exported to Canada. Their origins date back to the 1670s. A Blanket so important---it even has a book written about it ! The poncho is made from the finest grade of Mongolian cashmere and features a double-faced design with a contrasting stripe down the center. Due to the fact that they are warm, long-lasting, and adaptable, they are an excellent option for a wide variety of different applications. The Hudson Bay point blanket has a complex history with Indigenous people in Canada. The production of Hudsons Bay Point Blankets is a true labor of love, and the result is a timeless product that is cherished by Canadians from coast to coast. Just be prepared to pay a bit more for the privilege. 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. They are crafted from wool that has been carefully selected for its quality and softness. Quality of the Material The high quality of the material used to make Hudson Bay blankets makes them expensive. In addition, the blankets are made entirely by hand, which adds to their cost. There are lots of small businesses that sell Hudson Bay Blankets, so youre sure to find one that fits your style perfectly. Theyre also highly collectible. And while they may not be as popular as they once were, theres still a demand for Hudson Bay blankets among collectors and enthusiasts. The reason for this is that the Hudson Bay Blanket is produced in a limited quantity, which makes them more rare and sought-after. She loves learning new things and appreciates the little things in life. Capotes became so popular that, in 1706, the HBC hired a tailor to construct the blankets into these coats. Answer (1 of 2): They are called "point blankets" and they have been selling them for years. Wool, cotton, and polyester are just some of the modern-day materials that are used in the production of the updated version. Then, I used extra rinse to make sure all the soap was rinsed out. They are available in a wide variety of designs, so you should be able to find one that is aesthetically pleasing to you. Learn more about the HBC Point Over the years of fur trading, the design of point blankets grew to accommodate the preferences of various Indigenous nations. 2. They are made from 100% wool and are incredibly warm. Hudson Bay blankets are traditionally made from wool. Its manufacture dates back to the 1670s, when the Hudsons Bay Company was granted a charter by King Charles II of England. From $24.99 $50.00. A few years ago you could buy a new Earlys of Whitney 4 point blanket for around 160.00. Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time. That being said, they have gone on record stating that they had nothing to do with, nor would ever condone, the practice of distributing contaminated blankets to the indigenous people of North America (w. Zelda Robb is someone you will always enjoy spending time with. Older blankets are usually more valuable than newer ones. Hudson Bay blankets, or points, have a complicated history with Indigenous people in Canada. The thick wool is durable and incredibly warm, and the colorful stripes add flair. by | Feb 21, 2021 | Uncategorized | 0 comments | Feb 21, 2021 | Uncategorized | 0 comments 10/4/15 8:52 p.m. They can be a great investment if they are kept in good condition. The blankets can be used as bedding, clothing, or just something to cuddle up with on a cold night. 1. The first step in identifying a Hudson Bay blanket is to determine its color and design. Each blanket line is named for an Aboriginal tribe and has a particular meaning. However, the blankets design has been the cause of some complaints. Many fewer people here have heard of Hudson's bay but IMO the HB is the superior blanket of the two with Wool: A Coast Salish Legacy and the Cowichan Sweater (2010). The last thing that needs to be taken into consideration is the size of the blanket. Hudson Bay 6 Point Blanket, Natural with Multi Stripes Brand: WOOLRICH 102 ratings $69500 Colour Name: Natural With Multi Stripes See more About this item Woolrich is the exclusive u.s. distributor Dry clean only Loomed in england 6 points woven to indicate size Queen 90-inch by 100-inch Buy it with + + Total price: Add all three to Cart Step #3. Hudson Bay blankets were originally made by a contract manufacturer, but todays blankets are made in a factory owned by the company. 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