Grave Marker in the Form of a Copper Item Number: 08.491.8895 from the Brooklyn Museum
Description
Polychrome wood "copper". Ceremonial shields called “coppers" were highly-prized emblems of wealth among the Northwest Coast peoples, and were both traded and displayed during potlatches, ceremonial gatherings. The wooden grave marker in a copper form is a reference to the affluence and importance of the individual. One half of its top section is missing. On the remaining section one half of a bird's face is visible. On the lower portion, divided by a central vertical line, bird wings are visible.
Credit Line
Museum Expedition 1908, Museum Collection Fund
Item History
- Made between 1868 and 1899
What
- Name
- Grave Marker in the Form of a Copper
- Identification Number
- 08.491.8895
- Type of Item
- grave marker, copper and form
- Material
- wood and pigment
- Overall
- length 50.0 in, width 20.0 in
Who
- Culture
- Gwa'sala Kwakwaka'wakw
Where
- Holding Institution
- Brooklyn Museum
When
- Creation Date
- between 1868 and 1899
Other
- Classification
- Funerary, Marker