Which item was most sought after in the fur trade between Native Americans and European settlers?

Beaver pelts were the most sought-after item in the fur trade between Native Americans and European settlers due to their high value in European markets. During the 17th and 18th centuries, beaver fur was particularly prized for its use in making felt hats, which were fashionable among the European elite. The demand for beaver pelts led to extensive trapping and trade activities, significantly impacting the economies of both Native American communities and European settlers, as well as the ecological and social dynamics of the regions involved.

The fur trade wasn't just about economic transactions; it also involved complex relationships between different cultures. Native Americans played a crucial role as trappers and traders, leveraging their knowledge of the land and animal behaviors to meet the demands of European traders. This interaction led to changes in Native American societies, including shifts in their traditional hunting practices and social structures.

Other items, such as deer hides and buffalo robes, while valuable and traded during this period, did not have the same level of demand or impact on the fur trade as beaver pelts. Fish scales were virtually insignificant in the context of the fur trade economy and were not sought after in the same way.