Jubatus Bison medal

Unrecorded maker

1769

pewter

Gilcrease Museum

A pewter medal dated 1769. The medal commemorates the gift of a buffalo by an Illinois tribe. On the front side is a picture of a buffalo and the inscription “jubatus bison” or “maned or hairy bison”, on the back, a description in French. Silver peace medals were given to influential Native Americans as a symbol of friendship and allegiance with the United States government or foreign power. Medals were given on important occasions, like the signing of a treaty, and then only to very influential members of the tribe. The medals held even greater importance than normal during times…