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Tokens of friendship, tools of diplomacy: buttons and medals in exploration
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Tokens of friendship, tools of diplomacy: buttons and medals in exploration

Robert McCracken Peck
Journal for maritime research, v 19(2), pp 91-105
03 Jul 2017

Abstract

Arctic Buttons exploration gifts HMS Beagle medals Sir Joseph Banks
To help smooth first and early encounters with indigenous people around the world, European and American explorers often presented gifts to the people whose lands they were exploring. Buttons from naval or military uniforms were sometimes exchanged for food, furs, and other local products. Special medals were also prepared for use on expeditions. These were selectively presented to indigenous leaders or left as tangible records of places "discovered" or visited. This paper discusses and illustrates examples of both kinds of gifts.

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