Copper (large)

1 3/8" x 2"

Coppers are large shield-like objects given in potlatches, traditionally representing large amounts of wealth. Many of them had names as well as designs on the top portion of the copper. The design on the small copper is a modified version of a bear, and the larger design probably represents a seawolf or similar mythological being. The latter is in the Haida style although it was collected on the Nass River. Both coppers are illustrated in Drucker's Cultures of the North Pacific Coast.

Larger view.

A row of coppers as illustrated in Niblack 1890.
Click image to enlarge.