Object: Deer - Venison

Native Americans traded with the Dutch on a regular basis, especially in New Amsterdam, which was so densely settled that hunting deer for venison was no longer possible.    By 1661 'Indian Trading Houses' were set up in New Amsterdam specifically for the markets so that residents of New Amsterdam could buy venison, firewood, furs, and corn.   The Indian Trading house built in 1661-1662 was in front of Sara Kierstede's house, where she and her family may have been involved in assisted translation for some of the trades.   However, it is important to understand that the Original People were very facile with languages, and were excellent traders.

In Europe, eating Venison was generally reserved for kings or the nobility, so for the Dutch settlers in New Amsterdam having venison readily available must have been a huge luxury.