Description:

Native American / First Nations, Pacific Northwest Coast, United States or Canada, Tlingit / Haida, ca. 19th century CE. A rare collection of 4 copper fragments that may have been broken off ceremonial coppers during a potlatch. The largest with incised motifs and the second largest has a painted eye. Potlatch celebrations consisted of feasting, singing, dances, and a show of wealth through gifts, such as massive copper panels known as coppers. Coppers are large shield-like panels, with a T shaped ridge separating the flared top from the lower panel, often with etched and/or painted formline motifs and symbolic crests. Pieces might be broken off as gifts and for settling debts or conflicts. There are examples in museum collections of coppers riveted and welded together, perhaps made from collected pieces. During the potlatch coppers might also be destroyed- the wealthiest chieftains would smash them to pieces as a dramatic show of wealth. Size of large copper: 4.25" L x 2" W (10.8 cm x 5.1 cm); case: 11.125" L x 9.125" W (28.3 cm x 23.2 cm)

Provenance: private West Jordon, Utah, USA collection; ex-Ron Munn Auction

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#178527

  • Condition: Fragments of larger pieces and displayed in a modern case. Losses to painted pigments, but otherwise intact with russet patina.

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July 14, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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