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Objects can often tell us where they have been, who made them, and how they moved from place to place. These items, most of which are from the Objects of Wonder exhibit, show how our collections sometimes reveal unexpected connections.
Introduction
Looking through our collections, we can see the surprising results — sometimes deliberate, sometimes unintended — of trade and cultural exchange. From ancient times to the present, these global forces have left their mark on human cultures, and even other species.
Related Resources
Carved Pipe. Imitation Of Steamer.
Culture: Haida
Place: Northwest Coast, United States (not certain) / Canada (not certain), North America
Collection Date: 1841
Description: In the early 1800s, Haida artists from the Pacific Northwest began carving tobacco pipes — some functional, and others purely decorative — for trade with the Hudson’s Bay Company. Some pipes incorporated traditional motifs from local art styles; others featured the Euro-American sailing ships that carried these objects to collectors and museums.
Catalog Number: E2598 (view complete catalog record)
Discipline: Anthropology
Donor Name: United States Exploring Expedition
Where to See It: This object is part of the Objects of Wonder exhibit at the museum.
