“Earbobs” on the Upper Mississippi
When Lewis & Clark reached the Mandan and Hidatsa Villages in 1804, French and English Canadian Resident Traders had been living among the Earth Lodge People for more than two decades. Among the multitude of goods furnished by the Canadian Traders, were highly prized Silver items.
By the late 18th Century, Silversmiths in Montreal, and Quebec City, were employing apprentices and helpers to meet the ever-growing demand of the Northwest Company and their Hudson Bay Co. rivals. Among the many items produced were Pendants, Armbands, decorative Brooches of many designs and sizes, Gorgets, Nose Rings, Ear Wheels, thousands of plain round brooches of various sizes, and ball and cone earrings known as Earbobs.In 1804, Capt. Lewis sent a Delegation of Osage Indians to meet the Great White Father in Washington.
Among the delegation was the Chief of the Little Osage Cachasunghia. In 1806-1807, Mandan Chief Shehek-shoteaccompanied L&C from the Mandan Village back to St. Louis, and on to Washington.While visiting in the East, both Chiefs had their portrait made by French Artist, Charles B. J. F. de Saint-Memin. The portraits now housed in the National Portrait Gallery, document that both Chiefs had a preference for Earbobs.
–Bud Clark, avid Lewis & Clark collector and great-great-great-grandson of William Clark
