"I saw a boy of the crew purchasing javelins of them with bits of platters and broken glass"

In this quote, Christopher Columbus describes a scene where he witnessed a young boy from his crew purchasing javelins from the locals. The intriguing part is that the boy was using little bits of plates and broken glass as currency. This reveals the plain contrast between the innovative innovation and resources of Columbus' team and the primitive tools and materials of the natives. It likewise highlights the power characteristics at play, with the Europeans utilizing their exceptional goods to acquire weapons from the native individuals. This quote sheds light on the exploitative nature of Columbus' interactions with the locals and the unequal exchange of goods and resources.