Description
After his experience in the Arctic, Adams passed his medical exams, and travelled to west Africa in May 1856 aboard the steampship Hecla. He died there of typhus, and was buried at Sierra Leone. The items of personal adornment worn by this Gwich'in man reflect is status and wealth. Dentalium shell, used as nose ornaments, earrings and clothing decoration, was imported from the Pacific coast of North America and illustrates the long-established trade networks that existed before the arrival of Europeans.
This collection passed into the possession of Francis Skead, lieutenant on Enterprise, 1850-55. The writing on most of the sheets can be identified as Skead's, on comparison with text in his private journals.
Image Licence
All Rights Reserved
Image Credit
image © Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge
Location
Mackenzie River, Northwest Territories, Canada
Country
Canada
Medium
Watercolour
Tags
Category
People & Society