Argillite Boy Riding Killer Whale Carving by Melanie Russ (Haida)

Boy Riding Killer Whale Design: Gunner, or boy riding killer whale is a Haida story of a man whose wife is kidnapped by a killer whale. To rescue her, Gunner ultimately must ride a killer whale to the underworld and brings his wife back back to the land.

Argillite is a black stone that is geologically classified as slate. The argillite from Haida Gwaii is found on one mountaintop and is protected by the Haida Nation as a stone exclusively carved by the Haida people.

• Material: Argillite
• Dimensions: .5 cm x 1.7 cm (2.16 inches x .66 inches)

Made by Haida Artist Melanie Russ:

Melanie Russ is the daughter of the late Haida artists, Faye Russ and Ed Russ, and is originally from Skidegate, Haida Gwaii. She is one of few women argillite carvers and is known for her intricate detail in jewelry and carving.