Copper
Item number A8059 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
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This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.
Description
Copper made from several pieces of metal that have been riveted together and has a dark grey patina overall. The bottom section of the copper is rectangular with a slight peak at the centre of the bottom edge. This section is divided in half by a slightly raised vertical band, and is divided from the top section by a slightly raised horizontal band. The top section has side edges that flare outwards from the base and the top edge has a peak at the centre. The top section is also slightly convex. A face is scratched into the dark grey patina with the round eyes and nose slightly embossed.
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 Fort Rupert, British Columbia, Canada and Tsaxis, British Columbia, Canada between 1950 and 1962
- Owned by Dorothy Caldwaller
- Owned by Edith Bevan Cross before July 30, 1962
- Received from Edith Bevan Cross (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) on July 30, 1962
What
- Name
- Copper
- Identification Number
- A8059
- Type of Item
- copper
- Material
- copper metal
- Manufacturing Technique
- painted, riveted, hammered and incised
- Overall
- height 54.3 cm, width 30.7 cm, depth 1.8 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Fort Rupert, British Columbia, Canada and Tsaxis, British Columbia, Canada
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Previous Owner
- Dorothy Caldwaller and Edith Bevan Cross
- Received from
- Edith Bevan Cross (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source)
When
- Collection Date
- between 1950 and 1962
- Ownership Date
- before July 30, 1962
- Acquisition Date
- on July 30, 1962
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- poor
- Current Location
- Case 27
- Accession Number
- 0081/0006
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