SCENE | Crazy Crow Trading Post
You may remember earlier in the summer when this $22 hat came onto the scene, sourced from Crazy Crow Trading Post on the Texas/Oklahoma border. With October on the horizon I wanted to see what autumnal finds may be lurking at such an incredible (and affordable) source, and there are so many. It's easy to get lost in the deep categories (especially "Mountain Man & Historical Reenactment") at Crazy Crow, but here are just a few finds I thought would be great for fall. I also ordered these saddle blankets for myself ($23) which are awesome for the car, dogs, as throws, taking to the beach, etc.
Clockwise from top left: High crown wool felt hat ($36); Civil War blanket ($125) made from the same mill that supplied the blanket during the war, now from repurposed wool; Cooper Corn Boiler ($42); Medicine bag necklace ($4); Horsehair tassels ($7); US Civil War belt buckle ($11); Early American cowhide wallet ($19).
Comments
it really gives me the shivers to think that these things are being marketed as "native american" when in essence the production and consumption of these products exploits both the native americans who traditionally made these things as well as exploits the people who are working in terrible conditions for pennies to make these cheap knock-offs.
i know everyone has different morals/cutoffs when it comes to their purchases but i feel that it's important to at least know where and how things are made before making a purchase, especially when they are marketed in a way that is misleading.
generally a huge fan of this site but i am not crazy for this "trading post".
my two cents.
I totally get your concern about not knowing how things are being manufactured around the globe. I think that goes for most products on offer around the world at this point, unfortunately. We point out the manufacturers that are doing things right when we can, but they're still in the vast minority. Hopefully that's starting to change. And I do try my best to feature the small/independent/ethical companies whenever possible.
I don't know the ins and outs of every item that's sold through CC, but the one product I have purchased from CC was made in Guatemala, very well-made, and hand-signed by the artisan who created it. That's not saying everything is made under the best conditions, but it's a start.
In terms of the exploitation, this is a conversation we've had before on this blog and I totally respect your opinion. I pulled out items that were more in the Civil War reenactment category which I thought was really interesting and not so ubiquitous. I appreciate the fact that things are made to the original specifications, like the blanket or the belt buckle—those don't feel exploitative to me, but perhaps you're speaking about other products on the website.
It's my understanding that Crazy Crow sells Native American regalia and items to Native American people for traditional ceremonies, much of it made by Native Americans. But as you said, everyone has their own cutoffs of what they're comfortable with.
Thanks for your feedback, always welcome.
Typically blankets of this ilk are I think a wool/cotton blend, which I assume these are, but mine haven't arrived yet, so can't say for sure.