Fragment: Copper Item Number: A1738 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Two fragments (parts a-b) from a larger copper. The first piece (part a) is relatively rectangular with an orange/bronze-coloured zig zag band across the middle. The second piece (part b) is relatively rectangular with angular sides and is undecorated while also curving inward along one side.
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
- Collected in Kispiox, British Columbia, Canada between 1893 and 1934
- Owned by George Henry Raley before November 1948
- Received from H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and George Henry Raley (Seller) during November 1948
What
- Name
- Fragment: Copper
- Identification Number
- A1738 a-b
- Type of Item
- copper
- Material
- copper metal
- Part A
- height 14.0 cm, width 9.5 cm, depth 0.8 cm
- Part B
- height 13.8 cm, width 10.0 cm, depth 1.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Gitxsan
- Previous Owner
- George Henry Raley
- Received from
- H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and George Henry Raley (Seller)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Kispiox, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Collection Date
- between 1893 and 1934
- Ownership Date
- before November 1948
- Acquisition Date
- during November 1948
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 1960/0158 a-b