These shield-shaped objects made of commercial copper represent monetary wealth. As coppers are bought and sold by chiefs, their value increases, sometimes to the equivalent of thousands of dollars. They are displayed on ceremonial occasions, and exchanged at noble marriages. Sometimes during quarrels, pieces were cut from them and publicly given to the offender. That person was then obliged in turn to break a copper to protect his own name. The most valuable coppers have been cut and patched many times.

The rivet is copper ore.

The copper theme is repeated in this ceremonial rattle in the shape of that esteemed object. The face has been shaped by pounding into a rounded bulge, and a similarly rounded piece of copper has been soldered to the back, forming a cavity that holds a number of small stones, or perhaps lead shot. The characteristic T-shaped ridge appears on the lower section. (Holm, Crooked Beak of Heaven, 1972)

Coppers vary widely in size, but this one seems too small for actual use as a copper. It may have been made for some decorative use. The fact that this copper is made of brass weighs against its use as a real copper. A face is painted on the upper, flaring section, and there are stripes and stars on the two sides of the lower part. (Holm, Crooked Beak of Heaven, 1972)

The rivet is copper ore.

Copper nose ring. Locality: Site 29, Roche Harbor, Garrison Bay, San Juan Islands, WA.* One copper infant's bracelet. Corroded. *Information is from the original accession ledger.

Sheet copper pendant, hammered and folded on two edges with small hole at one end. B.Avery,10/20/2003

Sheet copper pendant, hammered and folded on two edges with small hole at one end. B.Avery,10/20/2003