Multi-colored floral elements arranged along undulating center lines characterized the beadwork on peeked hoods of Swampy Cree women from circa 1860 to circa 1900. The rows of tiny leaves along the stems point to the Quebec side of James Bay, while the more robust floral patterns on the woman's leggings suggest a northern Ontario origin.

These beautiful expressions of female happiness were acquired by Sir Donald Alexander Smith (1820-1914), while he was a fur trader for the Hudson's Bay Company, and before his career as a railroad financier and Canadian politician.

Ted Brasser March 14, 2000