The dynamics of barter between the Russians and Alaska Natives, 1741–1867

Abstract

This article explores the dynamics of barter/trade between Russians and Alaska natives under the Russian Empire. During the first stage of colonization, the Russians (unlike the English and French) did not tend to barter/trade. They preferred to take the main riches of Alaska, especially valuable furs, on their own, or to obtain them by exploiting local people in hunting parties, deploying non-economic coercion to work and debt bondage. Moreover, the trade between the Russians and natives was complicated by the high cost of delivery, the chronic deficit of commodities, a relatively narrow assortment and the prohibition of selling firearms and alcohol (with a few exceptions). The paper demonstrates the formation of three different systems of barter/trade with their own dynamics during Russian colonization of Alaska. Though relatively profitable overall, the Russian fur trade in Alaska was less effective than similar operations run by their competitors, French, American and British traders. The development of the fur trade had a dramatic negative effect on the fate of many native peoples. Nevertheless, it improved indigenous standards of living through its influence on material culture and contributed to a decrease in the number of intertribal conflicts.