Trade goods were very important in the everyday life of the Indians. They used them to barter with other nations and, at other times, to make amends after a quarrel.

	(1616) . . . but had to grant to them . . . in order to secure peace, to give to the Atignouaatitans, fifty wampum belts with one hundred fathoms of the same, which they value highly, and in addition a great number of kettles and hatchets, and two female prisoners in place of the dead man. Champlain, The Voyages, 1619
	"Young girl going to the dance" adorned with "matachias" - bead necklaces and bracelets Champlain, Les Voyages, 1613 National Library of Canada Photo: National Library of Canada

The "matachias," brightly coloured strands decorated with beads of wood, pottery or glass, were highly valued by Native peoples. The women used them to adorn themselves on special occasions such as ceremonies, marriages, dances, feasts, the return of warriors, and funerals.

Beads, 17th century Glass Found at the site of the second Quebec settlement Ministère de la Culture et des Communications du Québec, Archaeological Collection Photo: Steven Darby, Canadian Museum of Civilization