Fragment: Copper Item Number: 1768/65 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Longitudinal fragment of a broken copper. Hand design on upper part. Copper made of pieces joined together, but pieces are loose. Edges are jagged and roughly cut. Approximately twelve holes have been made around edges. Possible traces of paint on surface ?
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 Thomas R. Richardson before 1998
- Owned by Frances M. Richardson before November 18, 1998
- Received from Frances M. Richardson (Donor) on November 18, 1998
What
- Name
- Fragment: Copper
- Identification Number
- 1768/65
- Type of Item
- copper
- Material
- copper metal and paint ?
- Overall
- height 1.0 cm, width 62.9 cm, depth 15.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Previous Owner
- Thomas R. Richardson and Frances M. Richardson
- Received from
- Frances M. Richardson (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
When
- Ownership Date
- before 1998 and before November 18, 1998
- Acquisition Date
- on November 18, 1998
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 41
- Accession Number
- 1768/0065