Carmen Goertzen

Raised in Masset, BC, Carmen Goertzen is the hereditary Chief of the village of Dadens of Haida Gwaii. He inherited this title upon the death of Claude Davidson, the father of renowned artists Robert and Reg Davidson. Initially a self-taught artist, carving has been Goertzen’s main interest since he was 11 years old. After being taught to make tools by Robert Davidson, Goertzen began carving jewellery professionally in silver and gold in 1984.

Goertzen has developed a distinct style in both his design and carving skills. Since 1987 he has expanded his work to include pieces in wood and argillite. His interests extend to various media forms as well, such as photography and silk-screening. 

3 items

Dogfish Pendant
Carmen Goertzen (Haida)

Dogfish is a small variety of shark found on the Northwest Coast. It is distinguished by it’s dis...

Dogfish is a small variety of shark found on the Northwest Coast. It is distinguished by it’s distinctive gills, triangular teeth and split pupils. Dogfish is known to represent assertiveness and persistence.

$650.00

Eagle Pendant
Carmen Goertzen (Haida)

Eagle is one of the most important beings in the art and mythology of the Northwest Coast. It is ...

Eagle is one of the most important beings in the art and mythology of the Northwest Coast. It is respected for its intel­ligence and power, as well as its extraordinary vision, in both the literal and figurative senses. Eagles in myth are, likewise, usu­ally noble characters. Eagle is revered as a powerful hunter. Groups of mythical Eagles may gather for co-operative whale hunting expeditions, since, unlike the giant Thunderbird, Eagle is not strong enough to hunt whales alone. Eagle may ofte...

$500.00

Eagles Bracelet
Carmen Goertzen (Haida)

Eagle is one of the most important beings in the art and mythology of the Northwest Coast. It is ...

Eagle is one of the most important beings in the art and mythology of the Northwest Coast. It is respected for its intel­ligence and power, as well as its extraordinary vision, in both the literal and figurative senses. Eagles in myth are, likewise, usu­ally noble characters. Eagle is revered as a powerful hunter. Groups of mythical Eagles may gather for co-operative whale hunting expeditions, since, unlike the giant Thunderbird, Eagle is not strong enough to hunt whales alone. Eagle may ofte...

$2,600.00