Fragment: Copper Item Number: A2508 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Fragment; flat, formed of two pieces riveted together. One side cut leaving a zigzag edge. Nearly half the length of the other piece has been cut off leaving a rounded top edge. Small rivets and two holes along side.
History Of Use
Coppers can be named, displayed, and transferred in accordance with ceremonial privilege and protocol. Historically, within potlatch economies, coppers would rise in value each time they were purchased, ceremonially presented, and strategically re-sold or given away. Among the Kwakwaka’wakw, coppers were sometimes cut or broken during rivalries. Some of these were riveted together and used again, their value then having to be re-established.
Cultural Context
status; wealth; ceremonial; potlatch
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by Walter C. Koerner before April 8, 1976
- Received from Walter C. Koerner (Donor) on April 8, 1976
What
- Name
- Fragment: Copper
- Identification Number
- A2508
- Type of Item
- copper
- Material
- copper metal
- Manufacturing Technique
- beaten, riveted and cut
- Overall
- height 25.0 cm, width 13.0 cm, depth 1.8 cm
Who
- Culture
- Northwest Coast
- Previous Owner
- Walter C. Koerner
- Received from
- Walter C. Koerner (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
When
- Ownership Date
- before April 8, 1976
- Acquisition Date
- on April 8, 1976
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- poor
- Accession Number
- 0336/0022