2017-10-07 Sat

An article published by Primal Trek in February 2013 talks about coin-laden garments used by the Tlingit featuring medieval Chinese coins as armour. Tlingit warriors fixed heavy brass and bronze coins on their attire. These coins had square holes at the centre for attaching them on dresses. Interlocking patterns were used and ceremonial significance was also sometimes highlighted on the garments.

The Tlingit tribe lived for many centuries on the southern coast of Alaska and western Canada. They are known for their craftsmanship, beautiful structures, and detailed art. Due to increasing trade routes in the 16th and 17th centuries, different cultures were directly or sometimes indirectly connected. Historians believe that Chinese coins were offered by Boston sea merchants to the Tlingit for sea otter pelts. The coins were also used for medicinal purposes due to its rich content of iron and zinc. The American Museum of Natural History in New York showcases a collection of these coins.