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.

• Cultural Context

  status; wealth; ceremonial; potlatch

• 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.

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• Type of Item copper
• Culture Kwakwaka'wakw
• Material copper metal
• Measurements height 26.5 cm, width 17.0 cm, depth 1.5 cm (overall)

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• Previous Owner Margaret Hess
• Received from Margaret Hess

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• Made in British Columbia
• Collected in Fort Rupert, Tsaxis

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• Ownership Date before August 15, 2017
• Acquisition Date on August 15, 2017

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• Item Classes metalwork
• Condition good
• Accession Number 3258/0027