Copper

Item number 2791/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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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.