• top frame 
  • Koshon “Old Wolf” and his wife Thlogosqin, Tahltan from the Stikine River region
  • Magnifying Glass

Koshon “Old Wolf” and his wife Thlogosqin, Tahltan from the Stikine River region, in ceremonial clothing.
Photograph by G.T. Emmons, 1904-06.
University of Pennsylvania Museum, 12736

Fur Trade Enters the North

Northern British Columbia and the Yukon, Early 20th Century

Throughout most of the 19th century, Athapaskans living in northern British Columbia and the southern Yukon were relatively isolated from many of the influences of the fur trade. Trade goods entered the region through Native intermediaries, and exposure to European fashions, technology and decorative arts was slight. Early 20th century footwear, as seen here, incorporates imported materials such as cloth and glass beads, but the decorative motifs -- highly stylized plant and animal forms -- echo very old artistic traditions.

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