Deer Brooch

An image of a heart shaped brooch. Inside there are deer and florals on the outside.
Brooch from the Eldon House collection

Country of Origin: Unknown, European
Year: ca. 1830s
Materials: Ivory, Brass 

A beautiful example of ivory craftsmanship, this brooch is a tableau of wild deer bordered by acanthus leaves in a shield shape. Likely bought in Europe, this broach belonged to Lucy Harris, who passed it to her daughter Milly upon her death.  The deep relief carving is ornate and is incredibly detailed. The brooch retains its original jewelry box, covered in leather and lined with maroon velvet.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.