Copper Item Number: 2791/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Traditional shield-shaped whole copper with a T-shaped raised design element that divides the bottom section in half and separates the top section from the bottom. The sides flare outwards from the middle toward the top on the convex top section.The copper is blackened overall. Large hanging hooks have been heavily welded onto back surface at upper sides and a length of rope attached.
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.
Narrative
Full credit line: "Wonderful memories of our 'Mom' Jacqueline S. McGregor and her 'Dad,' our 'Bompie,' Jack S. Skinner."
Cultural Context
status; wealth; ceremonial; potlatch
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by Lynn S. Mattson and Jill R. Remus before March 17, 2010
- Received from Lynn S. Mattson (Donor) and Jill R. Remus (Donor) on March 17, 2010
What
- Name
- Copper
- Identification Number
- 2791/1
- Type of Item
- copper
- Material
- copper metal and paint ?
- Overall
- height 74.5 cm, width 52.5 cm, depth 4.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Northwest Coast
- Previous Owner
- Lynn S. Mattson and Jill R. Remus
- Received from
- Lynn S. Mattson (Donor) and Jill R. Remus (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
When
- Ownership Date
- before March 17, 2010
- Acquisition Date
- on March 17, 2010
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 2791/0001