Unique "Copper Shield", Nanis, by John Livingston, Kwakiutl Nation - SOLD

• Nation: Kwakwaka' wakw art, Kwakiutl art, native artists Vancouver Island
• Artist: Livingston, John (1951 - 2019)
• Type: Wall panels and wall plaques

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Have a look at this one - very unique, very powerful!!!

"Copper Shield" 

Nanis - Grizzley Bear of the Sea - by late John Livingston, adopted Kwakwakaw'wakw who started his career at the Royal British Columbia museum in 1965 under the tutelage of the late Henry Hunt and Henry's son Tony Hunt Sr., please see detailed and impressive biography below. 

Material: painted Fiber glass/resin - Limited Edition, this is #2 from 6, signed and dated 1999

The "Copper" was used by the First Nations people as a form of money and wealth. It was made of "Native" copper which was found in the land where they lived and superficially resembled a shield. Considered very rare and hard to obtain, raw copper was traded from the Athabaskan Indians in the Interior Plains, or from the white man in later times. Coppers were beaten into shape and usually painted or engraved with traditional designs. Most Coppers were fairly large, often 2 to 3 feet tall and a foot across. One of the most interesting aspects of the Copper is that they were given names so that their worth and heritage could be passed on. A Copper was only worth what it was last traded for, and it could only be traded for a larger amount the next time around. Consequently, some Copper values became highly valuable - worth the total of 1,500 to 2,000 blankets, a couple of war canoes and hundreds of boxes and bowls. No matter what the original value was the next person who wanted it had to trade more in exchange for it. Only the richest and most powerful could afford the price of an old Copper. Many Coppers were in rather shabby condition as a result of having been used in quarrels between Chiefs.

Measurements: 33" x 22" x 1"

This is truly a fantastic piece of art - purchased directly from John, kept in private collection since. Please have a close look at the images.

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Photos of This Piece

About This Artist

Master carver John Livingston was born in Vancouver, on the Northwest Coast of British Columbia, Canada in 1951. John started his career at the Royal British Columbia museum in 1965 under the tutelage of the late Henry Hunt and Henry's son Tony...Artist bio and other available works »