Description:

Native American / First Nations, Pacific Northwest Coast, United States or Canada, Tlingit, ca. 19th century CE. An important heraldic plaque known as a "copper" made from a hammered sheet of copper with painted formline motifs- demonstrating both the wealth and heritage of the owner. The shield-like panel contains a T-shaped ridge separating the flared top from the lower panel, the upper with a grinning face with upheld hands. Weddings and potlatch celebrations consisted of feasting, singing, dances, and a show of wealth through gifts, such as coppers. Pieces might be broken off as gifts and for settling debts or conflicts and during the potlatch coppers might also be destroyed- the wealthiest chieftains would smash them to pieces as a dramatic show of wealth. This panel is intact and may have been a wedding gift, pairs of smaller panels were often given to the couple. Size: 19.5" L x 12.25" W (49.5 cm x 31.1 cm)

Please note this item falls under the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act and is not eligible for international shipping. Native American, Alaska Native, & Native Hawaiian objects are only eligible to ship within the United States.

Provenance: private West Jordon, Utah, USA collection; ex-Folsom, California, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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#178495

  • Condition: Abrasions and indentation to copper, but intact. Some fading and losses to pigments, but motifs are clear and discernable. Areas of patina and toning, and areas of green oxidation.

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July 28, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000