| This miniature is of exceptional value; it represents the only known original portrait of a Beothuk Indian. Desmasduit (1796-1820) was given the English name of Mary March because she was captured and taken from her people in the month of March. She was one of the last survivors of her tribe that lived in what is now Newfoundland. After her death, her body was returned to her people and buried beside that of her husband who had been killed at the time of her capture. The tribe became extinct in 1829 due to the ravages of European encroachment, slaughter and diseases to which the Beothuks had no resistance. Watercolour on ivory
C-87698 |