Alvin Adkins

Alvin Adkins is one of the foremost Northwest Coast First Nations jewellery carvers. His silver and gold work is distinguished by fluid forms that are deeply carved. Adkins' work is always creative, often using multiple animal forms to fill the space of the jewellery.

Adkins started his career as an artist in 1971 and has been counselled by distinguished colleagues that include Bill Reid, Freda Diesing, Robert Davidson, Dempsey Bob and Don Yeomans.

Celebrated for his quality gold and silver jewellery, he is also a talented argillite and wood carver. His silkscreen prints also underscore his attention to detail and imaginative approach to design.

In 2010, Alvin received the esteemed British Columbia Achievement Award for the First Nations Art. In 2013 he was commissioned to carve an 18kt gold bracelet for the Vancouver Opera. With a two inch width, it is the largest bracelet Alvin has carved to date. To honour this achievement, he included the four main crests of the Haida: Eagle, Raven, Killer Whale and Wolf.

Alvin is one of the many Haida artists who, through maintaining the traditional Haida carving style, is preserving his heritage for future generations. 


28 items

Ravens Bracelet
Alvin Adkins (Haida)

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are...

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions. Raven is one...

$600.00

Three Raven Belt Buckle
Alvin Adkins (Haida)

This piece is available to order. Please contact the gallery directly for custom orders. Custom o...

This piece is available to order. Please contact the gallery directly for custom orders. Custom orders take approximately 4-6 weeks to complete. Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have v...

$1,200.00

Wolf and Woodpecker Bracelet
Alvin Adkins (Haida)

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are...

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions. Wolf is a pr...

$1,200.00

Wonder Child
Alvin Adkins (Haida)

Edition /200 Available framed for $600 CAD. Please contact the gallery directly. Indigenous artw...

Edition /200 Available framed for $600 CAD. Please contact the gallery directly. Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from ...

$200.00