Why was copper useful for making vessels even though it was too soft for most weapons?

While copper is indeed too soft for effective use in weapons—where it lacks the necessary durability to withstand stress and impact—its physical properties make it highly suitable for crafting vessels and household utensils.12

The primary reason for its utility in this context is that copper is exceptionally malleable. This allows craftsmen to easily shape it through techniques such as hammering, chasing, and engraving. Because it can be worked in ways similar to silver, it was often used to create elegant, decorative housewares that were more affordable than those made from precious metals.123

Additionally, copper possesses excellent thermal conductivity, which makes it highly efficient for cooking vessels like pots and pans. When used for food preparation, copper vessels are typically lined with tin to prevent the formation of a poisonous patina that can occur when the metal is exposed to dampness or acidic food. Its reddish hue also provides an aesthetic advantage, as it can be beautifully enhanced through gilding or enameling.1452