Graeme Teague Photography

Copper 0206

Caption: Copper 0206
Location: Haida Gwaii
Copyright: © Graeme Teague 832-526-1123 gtphoto@shaw.ca
AGPix ID: AGPix_GrTePh23_1486
Digital Original
Comments: Classic copper shield, highly prized, design shape comes from copying the plates on a turtle shell. Hanging in the Haida Heritage Museum - Skidegate, Haida Gwaii. "The most important symbol of wealth, power, status and prestige was the shield-shaped object made of beaten copper...A 'Copper' has a rectangular base segmented by a ridged 'T' line; the non-segmented top portion of the shield flares beyond the width of the base" (Shearar 2000: 30) - Understanding Northwest Coast Art: A Guide to Crests, Beings and Symbols. Prior to the arrival of explorers and fur traders to the Northwest coast of North America in the 18th century, copper was highly prized among the many different indigenous groups. Nuggets of local native copper were fashioned into artifacts and circulated through a trade network, distributing the prestigious material throughout the Northwest Pacific region. Historically the most important sources of copper came from southeast Alaska and southwest Yukon and were traded down the coast. Pre-contact copper items have been recovered from southern Haida Gwaii. There are a number of minor sources of native copper throughout BC. One of these sources is on the Northwest coast of Haida Gwaii. The Haida Heritage Centre is the premier cultural centre and museum of the Haida people, and is situated just south of the site of a historical village in Kay Llnagaay (pronounced kie-il-na-guy, which means "Town of Sea Lions"). GTPhoto is a brilliant knowledge/photo agency with all award winning photographers, authors, filmmakers, scientists & guides covering our world - PNW coastal native culture and Haida Gwaii absolute specialties.