Argillite Bear Claw Earrings by Amy Edgars (Haida)

Bear Claw Meaning: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.

• Material: Argillite, paua shell inlay, with sterling silver hook.
  
• Dimensions: 2 1/8 cm x 1.5 cm (5/8 inch x 1/2 inch) 2 5/8 cm x 2 cm (1 1/16 inch x 3/4 inch)
  
• Earring type: Dangles with sterling silver shepherd hooks
  

Made by Haida Artist, Amy Edgars:

Amy Edgars is a Haida artist from Old Massett, British Columbia. She was inspired by her late father, Myles Edgars, to pursue the art of argillite carving. Amy began carving at the age of 16. "I saw my dad and others carving every day, so I thought I better sit down and try it out," says Amy. She also notes the late Haida artist Pat Wesley as an influence in developing her carving skills.

Amy is one of few Haida women argillite carvers and has been carving for over 15 years.