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.