Argillite Thunderbird Pendant by Amy Edgars (Haida)

Design: 

"The first thunderbird carving I made was for my late aunty Barb. It was her crest." - Haida artist, Amy Edgars

Hand carved by Haida artist Amy Edgars. The design features a thunderbird & is signed on the back by the artist. Thunderbirds are known to have with immense power and strength. In Haida art & culture, the strength of thunderbirds is depicted in their abilities to eat killer whales.

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. She has a passion for carving and has made the trip up Slatechuck Mountain several times to gather her own argillite. 

About Argillite: 

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.

This stone’s geological formation makes it unique compared to argillite found elsewhere. Exposure to high heats allowed this argillite to cool and form in a way that was strong enough to be carved, yet soft enough to take on fine carving details and sculpting.