Copper cauldron

In the 16th and 17th centuries, the copper cauldron, a cooking container used by Europeans, is the most prized trade good among Indigenous peoples. The Algonquian peoples particularly value its lightness, making it easy to transport during seasonal travel.

Beyond its utilitarian functions related to cooking, the cauldron plays other roles in the belief systems and worldviews of Indigenous peoples, because it is made of copper.

Notably, European copper is used for ceremonial and ritual purposes. The red color of the metal is particularly prized for its aesthetic qualities. Pots and pans are often cut up before being used for cooking to make jewelry, such as bracelets, rings, anklets, pendants, and earrings.

While European metal objects are starting to circulate, Indigenous peoples continue to craft similar items in traditional materials (bone, wood, stone, clay). The dependence on metal objects grows over the long term.