Argillite Bear Carving by Melanie Russ (Haida)

Dimensions:2.7 inches x 1.6 inches x 1.6 inches (7 cm x 4 cm x 4 cm)

Material: Argillite 

Design:The Haida name for Bear is Taan. Bears represent respect, intelligence, family, and a connection to the forest. Haida Gwaii is home to some of the largest black bears in North America. In the Haida oral history, the story of Bear Mother recounts a woman being married into the bear clan. From then on, there was peace and harmony between bears and humans on Haida Gwaii. 

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.

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 Haida carvers and is known for her intricate detail in jewelry and carvings. Learn more about Melanie Russ'  journey as an artist.