Fragment: Copper Item Number: 3258/27 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Partial shaped copper, with oxidized green patina. Object has a flat top and bottom, sides angling outward toward bottom, and is slightly concave at back. Four bullet holes can be seen on the front centre of the piece, some piercing through the metal, and some as dents.
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 ? or Tsaxis, British Columbia, Canada ?
- Owned by Margaret Hess before August 15, 2017
- Received from Margaret Hess (Donor) on August 15, 2017
What
- Name
- Fragment: Copper
- Identification Number
- 3258/27
- Type of Item
- copper
- Material
- copper metal
- Overall
- height 26.5 cm, width 17.0 cm, depth 1.5 cm
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Previous Owner
- Margaret Hess
- Received from
- Margaret Hess (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Fort Rupert, British Columbia, Canada ? or Tsaxis, British Columbia, Canada ?
When
- Ownership Date
- before August 15, 2017
- Acquisition Date
- on August 15, 2017
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 3258/0027