Keys to History

In the wake of a turbulent period of contact with Europeans and a territorial realignment among several Aboriginal nations, in 1697 the Huron-Wendat from the Georgian Bay region in Ontario moved to the village of Lorette (now known as Wendake), near Quebec City. Thus, in the second half of the 17th century, the Huron-Wendat had to adapt to the flora and fauna of the Laurentian forest, their new homeland. Moose hunting became a way of life, part of their culture. Moosehair, taken from the hump on the animal's back and flap under the neck, quickly became an essential raw material used by Huron-Wendat women in refining their craft embroidery techniques. In the 19th century, moosehair replaced porcupine quills in their work, and these expert embroiderers began producing different styles of embroidery with a variety of design motifs. Moosehair embroidery experienced unprecedented popularity in the second half of the 19th century.