Artist:Gwa'sala Kwakwaka'wakw
Medium: Wood, pigment
Geograhical Locations:
Dates:late 19th century
Dimensions: 50 x 20 in. (127 x 50.8 cm)
Collections:
Accession Number: 08.491.8895
Image: 08.491.8895.jpg,
Catalogue Description: Polychrome wood "copper". Ceremonial shields called “coppers" were highly-prized emblems of wealth among the Northwest Coast peoples, and were both traded and displayed during potlatches, ceremonial gatherings. The wooden grave marker in a copper form is a reference to the affluence and importance of the individual. One half of its top section is missing. On the remaining section one half of a bird's face is visible. On the lower portion, divided by a central vertical line, bird wings are visible.