Argillite Raven Pendant by Melanie Russ (Haida)

Argillite Raven Design: The Raven is a central figure in Haida oral history, he is known as the trickster. He is responsible for pushing the envelope to catalyze change & teach us lessons as well. Famous Haida stories include Raven Steals the Light, where the world was all dark before raven stole the light & brought it to the world. Raven is also central in the Haida creation story, where he is responsible for bringing the first men to Haida Gwaii in a clamshell at Rose Spit, then in his raven ways, coaxing them out of the clamshell to be the first people 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, Sterling Silver 
• Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5 inches
• Chain option: 3mm wide sterling silver black chain 

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 carvings. Learn more about Melanie Russ's  journey as an artist.