A Northwest Coast Copper Shield

The shield shows typical wear for its age and use. There is an area on the upper section that is abrated, removing the original surface. The copper as part of its ritual use was broken and piceced together with original pieces. This is ususal for this type of artifact.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

For a discussion of Northwest Coast copper shields, please see Gould, et al, 1965, p. 159: "Large copper plates were used as money among the Indians in Alaska, including the following tribes: Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, Nootkan, Bella Coola, Coast Salish and Kwakiutl. These copper paltes were called 'coppers' by the whites and 'tinnah' by the Indians....A sale of one of these large coppers was always accompanied by by feasts and elaborate ceremonial rites, generally ending in the potlatch ceremony."Potlatch" generally signifies the distribution of property."

 

Also see Opitz, 1994, p. 4: "Coppers, blankets, canoes, slaves and abalone shell ornaments were the most important articles in the potlatch."

P. 10

"They (coppers) were a form of wealth equivalent to  high denomination paper money. They were more the property of the family than that of an individual. Shields were the supremely valuable item used in the potlatch where they were given to a rival tribe with the u8nderstanding that at some later date the value of the shield would be returned with 100% or more interest."