First Nations Haida Argillite Raven Pipe and Seated Human Figure

Native American (First Nations), Pacific Northwest Coast, Haida, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, ca. 2000 to 2010 CE. Two argillite carvings. Argillite is the black carbonaceous slate quarried only at Slatechuck Mountain on Haida Gwaii and carved exclusively by Haida artists. The first is a pipe whose bowl forms the head of a bird, likely Raven or Eagle, with a formline ovoid eye. The shank is carved with U-forms, split-U elements, and cross-hatched panels in Northern formline style, and is drilled at the end for a stem. Incised on the underside “BC 2006.” The second is a seated human figure, possibly a shaman, crouched on a rectangular base with knees drawn up. One hand is raised to the chin and the other holds a small drilled object, perhaps a rattle or charm. He wears a headdress with a crest of upright plumes, and a long trailing headpiece incised with dotted lines falls down his back. Both pieces are polished to a satin black finish. Argillite pipes and figures have been central forms of Haida carving since the early 19th century. Along with a cast figure using ground argillite. Native figure kneeling with right elbow resting on his left knee. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. Item # 206250

Estimate:$250

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