Argillite Bear Carving by Amy Edgars (Haida)

Meaning of Bear: 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.

Specifications:

• Material: Argillite, Paua Shell
• Dimensions: 2 5/8 x 1 3/4x 1 1/4 inch

Made by Haida artist Amy Edgars:

Amy is one of few Haida women argillite carvers and has been carving for over 15 years. She has a passion for carving and has made the trip up Slatechuck Mountain several times to gather her own argillite. Learn more about Amy Edgar's journey as an artist.