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$400.00
Argillite Mountain Goat Design: Mountain goats are highly respected in the Haida culture, as their wool was used to weave intricate robes for high ranking people, such as chiefs women of high esteem. Although mountain goats are not present on Haida Gwaii, they were an important part of trade between the Haida people from the mainland. The Haida word for mountain goat wool, is also the same word in the Haida language for the string of life connected to every person in the Haida worldview. These incredible animals are known for their jumping abilities to traverse difficult terrain as well. In the Haida history, they were known to have supernatural powers. They help us to achieve the unimaginable with diligence confidence.
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.
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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' journey as an artist.
