Copper Item Number: A6113 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Copper with a bottom section that has a slight point at the centre of the bottom edge and the width tapers slightly towards the bottom. The top section flares outwards, the top edge is curved, and this section is slightly convex. Abstract design overall on face. The copper is composed of two pieces joined to a horizontal piece of copper with metal rivets.

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

Copper was sold 70 years ago at a potlatch at Smiths Inlet for $500.00. The seller was the grandfather of Mrs. G. Williams. As the copper was returned to Mrs. Williams, when the buyer died, it is assumed the full prive was not paid (from notes given by G. Williams, Aug. 6, 1953).

Cultural Context

status; wealth; ceremonial; potlatch

Item History

What

Name
Copper
Identification Number
A6113
Type of Item
copper
Material
metal and copper metal
Manufacturing Technique
hammered, nailed, soldered and painted
Overall
height 35.2 cm, width 20.3 cm, depth 1.0 cm

Who

Culture
Kwakwaka'wakw
Previous Owner
George Williams
Received from
H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and George Williams (Seller)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
British Columbia, Canada
Collected in
Hopetown, British Columbia, Canada and Hegam's, British Columbia, Canada

When

Creation Date
before 1880
Ownership Date
before June 16, 1953
Acquisition Date
on June 16, 1953

Other

Item Classes
metalwork
Condition
fair
Current Location
Case 27
Accession Number
1917/0001