ArgilliteArt of the Haidas
Argillite is found on the west coast of British Columbia on Haida Gwaii near a sitelocated at SlateChuck Mountain near Skidigate. This is where the unique deposit of Tllgaduuu argillite is found and can only be harvested by the Haida Nation. This easily carved clay stone is also called “Haida Slate” or "Black Slate". The Haida artisans will cut and carry the raw argillite to their place of work, where they wil transpose the raw Argillite into piece's of Art.
The best known carvings are miniature totem poles or “family trees”, a form of sculpture brought to its greatest perfection by the Haidas.
Other objects took the form of boxes, pipes, trays and a variety of purely decorative items such as brooches, earrings and pendants.
The Haida artisans employs the fluid, graceful lines and curves which characterizes their work.
Sometimes using red pipestone, polished bone, mother of pearl or Abalone shell to emphasize points of design. A part from the visual beauty of a finished piece, the cool smooth feel of the Argillite is enormously appealing.
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Bear and Human
All the work is done with natural Argillite and carved by local Haida Artisans.Hand carved Haida Pole. It depicts a Bear and a Human.
The Bears eyes are set with Mother of pearl and the Humans eyes are made from the Abalone shell. The pole is 6 inches in height by 5/8 inches width.
Carved by Glen Pollard
Item No: 1150
Price: $750.00