An Algonkian man of southern New Netherlands circa 1645-1660, wearing a red duffel cloth mantle. Modeled by Drew Shuptar- Rayvis , Cultural Ambassador of the Pocomoke Indian Nation and living historian of the 17th and 18th century.
Duffel cloth, a coarse woolen cloth used by Europeans for blankets and coats in the 17th century became an important trade item between the Dutch and English settlers and the Native Americans, particularly the Algonkian peoples. Colors like brilliant red, blue, purple were desirable as they denoted status, black was very useful for hunting, and white was also mentioned in the documents.
Undyed duffel (ivory colored because the sheep's coat was ivory) was used by the DWIC as standard clothing for slaves because the undyed cloth was cheaper, and provided warmth.
Woolen duffel cloth is very warm, and is still used in making coats and blankets today.
Dutch and Algonkian men of southern New Netherlands circa 1645-1660, the Dutchman wearing a suit of clothes and the Algonkian wearing a duffel cloth Indian trade coat circa 1638-1655”