Fragment: Copper Item Number: A4038 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Copper fragments, both appearing to be from the top right-hand corner of separate coppers. Part a has a faint embossed design with an edge that is folded over. Part b is composed of two pieces that have been riveted together and has a very faint design with the edge folded over.
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
Narrative
Part of the ceremonial gear once owned by Chief Harry Mountain.
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada between 1850 and 1900
- Collected in Village Island, British Columbia, Canada and 'Mimkwamlis, British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by Chief Harry Mountain before November 1952
- Owned by Alice Mountain before March 24, 1953
- Received from H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and Alice Mountain (Seller) on March 24, 1953
What
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Previous Owner
- Chief Harry Mountain and Alice Mountain
- Received from
- H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and Alice Mountain (Seller)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Village Island, British Columbia, Canada and 'Mimkwamlis, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- between 1850 and 1900
- Ownership Date
- before November 1952 and before March 24, 1953
- Acquisition Date
- on March 24, 1953
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 41
- Accession Number
- 2008/0007 a-b