Iron Tools

 Iron tools were much sought after by the Native Americans, the acquisition of such tools greatly improved their standard of living.  The tools also provided prestige to certain individuals in the tribes who owned them.  Some of the most popular tools were the adz, hatchet, felling ax, hoes and knives.  Iron cook pots were far more durable and practical than the clay pots previously used by the Natives.

Wampum

Wampum is a bead made from the hard shell clam called a quahoag.  The more purple in the bead, the more value that it had.  Wampum belts and jewelry were used by the Native American tribes as symbols of status, to pay off debts, and as tribute to other tribes.  The English settlers soon realized the value of wampum and a form of currency exchange was developed based on the value of wampum.  Wampum beads were strung in six foot lengths called fathoms, in the early 17th Century a fathom of beads was worth five shillings, six beads were worth a penny. 

Trade Beads

Trade beads were an important part of the early 17th century fur trade. Beads were immensely popular, glass beads were more desirable than the clay beads.  The bright, intense colors were very appealing to the Native Americans.  Beads could be easily packed and transported, this very small trade item played an crucial role in determining business relations between the early settlers and the natives.