Supernatural Sea Grizzly Pendant by Billy NC Yovanovich (Haida)

Sea Grizzly Design: 

Sea Grizzly is a supernatural being and a crest of the Haida nation. The supernatural sea grizzly has features of grizzly bear and whale. In this carving, notice the grizzly bear features, such as the ears, eyes, and teeth, and the whale features, such as a dorsal fin poking out between the ears and a blow hole between the eyes. The sea grizzly is also a traditional crest of the Gaa K'yaals KiiGawaay Skedans clan. Although grizzly bears don't inhabit Haida Gwaii, these crests were brought to Haida Gwaii through connections with nearby nations from the mainland.

Material:  Yew wood, red cedar weaving, copper bale

Technique: Hand-carved with hand-woven red cedar bark weaving

Dimensions: 4 1/4 inches x 2 1/4 inches x 2 inches (108 mm x 57 mm x 50.8 mm) 

Year: 2023

By Haida Artist, Billy NC Yovanovich:

Billy NC Yovanovich (Haida name:Kuuhlaanuu), isa Haida artist from Ts’aahl Eagle clan on Haida Gwaii. From age 17 to 18, he took three design workshops to learn Haida formline design with the renowned Haida artist Robert Davidson. During that time, he began an after-school mentorship to learn design and formline from the late Ben Davidson. Billy has also apprenticed under Garner Moody and the late Timmy Boyko for wood carving. Learn more about Billy Yovanovich's artistic journey.