The Ambassador, by Lee Teter


Original oil on canvas. 18 x 40 Indian trader. Thanks to Hollywood and dime store novels, the term is almost a dirty word. One envisions a conniving, soulless weasel who took advantage of ignorant Native Americans. This stereotype has been perpetuated for almost a century, and it may be another century before Indian traders are understood in light of truth. Not only is it supposed that all Indian traders abused Native people, but the myth is based on the supposition that Indians lived in child-like ignorance, lacking any mental capacity to look out for themselves. Such myths defy logic, insult Native Americans and inhibit historians’ efforts to present what really happened. Indian traders lived with their customers, marrying tribal daughters and fathering mixed-blood children. Often, they shared lodges, doctored the sick, tried to prevent the spread of disease and fostered peace between factions and tribes. Recent studies have shown that after common business expenses, the trader rarely made more than a fair wage for his effort. Moreover, trading was closely monitored by all governments involved, and rivalries among traders ensured that standards were generally followed. Native Americans welcomed the traders, regulated his wandering, dictated their preferences and demanded fair prices. There was no lack of astute judgement or discernment. Trading was an ancient custom among Native Americans and few could match their cunning in a trade of any kind. Indians controlled the trade in many ways and a dishonest or disrespectful trader would sometimes make restitution with his life. Native Americans had a controlling interest in the fur trade. This introduction is much too short to correct all the misconceptions about Indian traders. A hundred years from now, historians will reveal the Indian trader as the self interested ambassador he was. When the trader is presented accurately, Native Americans will be more completely understood as well. The study of trade goods will reflect the desires of the Indians that in turn reflect their understanding of the world, and changes to the world, around them. The trader was seldom the rogue Hollywood has created. Instead, a successful Indian trader was more often a man of diplomacy, carefully operating under harsh and uncertain circumstances. ________________________________________________________________ Among the obscure assets treasured by an Indian trader was the cat. Shipped hundreds and thousands of miles up rivers, across mountains and over oceans, cats became a vital necessity because they killed rodents that destroyed pelts. Many pages of trader’s journals were devoted to recording the health of cats, the arrival of new ones and their success or failure in performing their duty. It is easy to visualize the surprise and curiosity Native American customers felt when they saw a cat for the first time. Their hand would cover their lips while their eyes would grow wide, then crinkle into smiles of pleasure at the friendliness of an odd colored cat. Indians were curious about new animals and they appreciated the services provided by cats. The trader’s cats caught destructive mice and provided companionship on long winter nights, but there is no doubt he often rendered service as ambassador, as well or better, than the trader. A pleased and purring cat represented contentment, and in the West a purveyor of contentment was always needed and highly regarded. This painting represents the Bordeux trading post which is now preserved at the Museum of the Fur Trade in Chadron, Nebraska. This museum is the foremost authority on the North American fur trade and maintains the most important and complete collection of related artifacts in the world. For more information about the Museum of the Fur Trade write to Museum of the Fur trade 6321 Highway 20 Chadron, NE 693337
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