1976 Montreal Summer Olympics Rainbow Beaver Poster
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This stylish poster promoting the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Quebec, Canada depicting a Minimalist beaver silhouette crossed by a rainbow band, is in Standard A condition. (Standard A condition of any vintage paper item allows for very minor handling wear provided it does not affect the image.)  In this instance, there are light ripples on the left side, likely a consequence of the detached brown paper protective backing which should be replaced.

Size  Estimated measurement is about* 17 inches x 23+1/2 inches (43.2 cm x 50.4 cm.)

*All measurements are approximate

Signature  A line of very fine print across the bottom from the left visible above the frame: reads:  c copyright 1972.  COJO '78 Canada.  Directeurs artistiques: Georges Huel et Pierre-Yves Pelletier. Graphistes: Yvon Laroche, Pierre-Yves Pelletier et Guy Saint-Arnaud.

Provenance This was an estate sale find. Blue inked stamp (very faded) on the centre of the brown paper backing indicates N.D.G. ART FRAMING REG'D. NDG stands for Notre-dame-de-grace, a district of Montreal just west of Westmount and not far from Centreville / Montreal's downtown area.

Perhaps you will be able to make out the address and other contact info from the 1970s. The use of the term "Reg'd." (registered) has not been in use for decades, and neither has the commercial use of English as the sole or even, the primary language of commerce in Quebec.

Imagery The graphic design combines two national icons: The dedicated hard-working beaver, symbolic of Canada's founding through personal industry and world commerce, and the colourful "ceinture fleche" sash typical of the costume of "coureurs de bois" and "voyageurs," Quebec's indomitable snowshoe-ing and canoe-ing traders.

Amik the Beaver was chosen as the mascot for the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. Amik means "friend" in Anishnaabeg, the Cree / Ojibway / Chippewa language. The name also bears a fortuitous similarity to ami, the French word for "friend."   The ceinture is an apt symbol for the stereotypic Quebec character, a blend of resourcefulness with sentiment, for the original long striped sash was not only utilitarian but a token of affection. It was very strong and water-repellent, usually braided of hand-spun hand-dyed wool by those at home.

The beaver* is the animal that first drew the world's attention to Canada since its hair was used in the fabrication of the weather-resistant top hat, a desirable fashion item on both sides of the Atlantic for over a century. Its historical importance to the economy is the main reason its image appears on the obverse of the Canadian 5-cent coin or, nickel.

The rainbow is a universal symbol of optimism. You will probably be surprised to discover  how many different groups -- cultural, national and political -- have chosen it as an emblem (Wikipedia). 

The Pride movement connection
The poster was copyrighted in 1972, and Baker's original design for a rainbow flag representative of the wide range of human sexuality** and the variety of its expression dates from 1978.  It is doubtful there was any intention of "Pride" connotations by the poster's artists .
*At least since 1927 (Etymology Online), "beaver" has been slang for "lady parts." Some trace it as early as the 17th century.
**Sir Isaac Newton, experimenting with a glass lens, is generally credited with discovering that white light separates into a rainbow of colours. 20th-century Social Scientists found this to be an apt simile in discussions about the notion of distinct human races, as well as genders.

Please read the description, look at all the photos and use the Enlarge feature where available.  You are welcome to email me with any questions

The photos were taken indoors and out, with flash and without. One image was adjusted in an attempt to show detail. 

Please check the cost of shipping before bidding. 
Inside Canada, "standard" shipping is Regular or Expedited, depending upon destination.
US shoppers: To be fully covered against loss, eBay requires the use of a detailed integrated online-tracking method.  Canada Post refers to this method as CP Expedited service, similar to your USPS Priority post.
Overseas:  CP International airmail with tracking can be $40 for up to 1 kilo. 2 kilos would be more than twice that.

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NB It is the purchaser's responsibility to pay any import taxes or duty or brokerage fees.

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Provenance:
Unless I state otherwise, I do not know the provenance of most of my items, so I do not make claims about it.  I check and lightly clean and / or superficially polish everything I offer for sale.   For your economy, further detailing is left to you.

Pricing Policies:
I do not like to mess around or waste your time.  I could offer "free shipping" by adding much more to the price but normally I do not.
I could also inflate the asking price considerably and then use the "Best Offer" option.  Normally, I do not.
I base my price on my extensive experience and education, and where possible, I compare it to items of similar quality offered by other Sellers.  I also take into consideration that CanPost postage rates are what they are --  they are tied to the cost of fuel and are revised periodically.   I always try to give you a good deal.


On 21-Aug-11 at 23:05:29 EDT, seller added the following information:

Sellers: Get your own map today. Click here now. Simple."