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Object #     25.0/300
Object name     Copper
Culture of Origin     Kwakwaka'wakw
Materials     Copper Ore
Techniques     Pounded, Cut, Mended, Riveted
Dimensions     H: 66.0 cm, W: 38.0 cm, D: 0.2 cm
Exhibit Label    

Central NWC Case (1991-1997): "Copper (tl!akwa). 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 equavalent 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."
Source     Mrs. Anne Gerber
Credit     Sidney Gerber Memorial Collection


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