Wednesday April 8th, 2015

Post date: Apr 24, 2015 12:59:38 PM

On Wednesday April 8^th, 2015, Mr. Glen Boatman was once again kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to present for our chapter. His interesting and artifact filled presentation was entitled: Protohistoric Trade-Connections from the St. Lawrence to the Western Lake Erie Basin and Beyond.

He spoke of the Sandusky Tradition peoples and how their technology and art changed as a result of marriage and trade exchanges, especially with the introduction of European goods. Two predominate trade routes can be traced from 1500 to 1700 AD, one is known as the northern Canadian trade route that goes through the upper Great Lakes and the other is known as the Chesapeake Bay route.

The northern Canadian trade route is historically well documented with Champlain speaking with the natives and the trades that occurred between them.

European goods such as brass and copper pots were traded within the various native groups and they were made into other items such as arrow heads, pendants, beads, tinkling cones, rings and other various items.

Other examples of the trades that were taking place between the various native groups can be seen in the pottery manufacturing styles such as the Indian Hills and Iroquian styles being found at other sites. The Protohistoric Shaver Hill site also demonstrated trades through such goods as beads, metal axes and spoons.

Mr. Boatman demonstrated how many different sites had similarities in goods that indicated the various native groups traded goods and ideas and how one could follow a discernible path from their original origin.

Thank you Mr. Boatman for once again taking the time to present for us, it is really appreciated!