Coppers

Chief Seaweed stands before a wood building, wearing a button blanket, ceremonial frontlet and holds a copper in each arm.

Chief and artist, Kwaxitola, Willie Seaweed (1873-1967) holding his coppers, Blunden Harbour, 1955

Seaweed was a singer, storyteller, and great artist who kept the traditions of the potlatch alive through the years it was prohibited by law.

Photo: Wilson Duff, Royal BC Museum

Figure stands before a white backdrop, ermine trimmed frontlet, holding two coppers with an eagle and wolf mask at his feet.

Kwaxalanukwame', Odan, Chief Johnny Drabble, 1922

“And my uncle took me to the Parish Hall, where the Chiefs were gathered. Odan picked up a rattle and spoke, ‘We have come to say goodbye to our life,’ then he began to sing his sacred song. All of the Chiefs, standing in a circle around their regalia were weeping, as if someone had died.” - James Charles King, at Alert Bay, 1977

Photo: William Halliday, Royal BC Museum, AA-00188

Figure holds two coppers in arms, stands before big house wearing button blanket and woven cedar hat.

Waxawidi, ‘Namgis Chief William Wasden Jr. holding his coppers, c. 2007

Couple stand side by side in cedar bark regalia, dance aprons, button blankets, she holds a copper in front of her chest.

Chief and artist Xi’xa'niyus, Bob Harris (c. 1870 – c.1930), with his wife, Tlakweł, Mary Harris (née Mountain, daughter of Chief Nage’), Alert Bay, 1913

Photo: Possibly Rev. Corker, Royal BC Museum, PN2566

Lesson 3