Historic Argillite

Trade Pipe
Artist Unknown (Haida)

Late 1800s

Late 1800s

Figural Group
Artist Unknown (Haida)

c. 1880s This figural group is populated by various animals and beings from Haida cosmology. At ...

c. 1880s This figural group is populated by various animals and beings from Haida cosmology. At one side facing forward, we see a figure that appears to be Dogfish Mother, recognized by the labret in her lower lip and the gills above her head. She also appears to have a dorsal fin that falls to her side. She holds fast to what could be the dorsal fin of a transforming being, such as a Killer Whale, which rests between her feet. Directly behind the primary figure is Raven with a Frog clutched...

Historic Multi-Figure Pipe
Artist Unknown (Haida)

The history and tradition of argillite carving can be seen through the individual reflection of e...

The history and tradition of argillite carving can be seen through the individual reflection of each piece. The Haida word for argillite is Kwawhlhal. Argillite is a type of rock that is transitional between slate and shale. The quarry for Haida argillite is found on the Islands of Haida Gwaii at the Slatechuck site, located near Skidegate Inlet.Following contact with European traders, argillite carving evolved into a major trade activity. Depending upon the preference of the artist, argillit...