Replica Freres Chasseurs [Hunter Brothers] balaclava worn by the revolutionaries of the 1837 Lower Canadian Rebellion and subsequent Patriote War. The failed 1837–8 rebellions in Upper Canada, Lower Canada, and Rupert’s Land were the last Atlantic Revolutions and a key moment in the formation of Canadian national identity. In Lower Canada, a rising bourgeoisie was blocked by British mercantile elites who profited from colonial trade and feared national industrial growth. The bloody revolt against this colonial hierarchy lead by Louis Papineau cut across Anglo-French divisions but was unable to unite the nascent domestic bourgeoisie and was crushed at the Battle of Saint-Eustache by militarily superior British regulars. This balaclava, printed with the Death’s Head and the revolutionary phrase “a bas le conseil legislatif” [down with the legislative council] was worn by patriot guerrillas during raids on Colonial administrators and reactionary clergy. The tradition of griege cotton face masks would extend throughout the subsequent border conflict, where, after their defeat at home, Canadian revolutionaries staged covert attacks into Canada from the United States, organizing in secret military societies known as the ‘Freres Chasseurs.’ Notably, this particular balaclava features three maple leaves, symbolizing the revolutionary aspirations of Lower Canada, Upper Canada and Rupert’s Land. All three regions were in open revolt in early 1838 and staged similar unsuccessful military confrontations with British authority. In 1964, the revolutionary triple maple leaf was chosen for Canada’s new flag—an emblem of the nation's ability to absorb and reconcile its political contradictions.
One Size.
100% Cotton.
Made in the USA.
Hand wash gently and air dry.
