I was given permission to hunt an area where the 2nd largest Seneca Indian tribe in New York State lived. In 1630, several Jesuit priests from France visited this area and brought with them rings (known now as Jesuit Rings), tiny bells (known as French Trade Bells), and copper cooking pots. The priests lived amongst these Indians from 1630 to about 1660 when after the Indians became increasingly hostile towards them, they got out of dodge....in a hurry.
I believe these items brought by these French priests were an attempt to bribe the Indians into becoming Catholics. Indians had never seen ANYTHING made out of metal. Indians had never used metal because they never knew about metals. These priests were the first whites they had ever encountered.
These finds may be some of the oldest finds ever uncovered in the US. They are the greatest finds of my 20 years of metal detecting. Amongst the pics you will see musket balls fired by the French army when they invaded this area in 1667 and wiped out this Seneca tribe, burning their lodges and crops.
As icing on the cake I also found a large cent and an 1864 Indian head penny.
And also, not sure of their dates, but two buttons.
I believe these items brought by these French priests were an attempt to bribe the Indians into becoming Catholics. Indians had never seen ANYTHING made out of metal. Indians had never used metal because they never knew about metals. These priests were the first whites they had ever encountered.
These finds may be some of the oldest finds ever uncovered in the US. They are the greatest finds of my 20 years of metal detecting. Amongst the pics you will see musket balls fired by the French army when they invaded this area in 1667 and wiped out this Seneca tribe, burning their lodges and crops.
As icing on the cake I also found a large cent and an 1864 Indian head penny.
And also, not sure of their dates, but two buttons.