Examples of Argillite Carving -- Clam Shell Box
Ornately carved cedar boxes were common amongst the tribes of the Pacific Northwest, and were made also for the scrimshaw trade. Some of the finest were done in argillite. Shown here is a reproduction of a large argillite box or casket in the Canadian Museum of History's Haida Gwaii collection. We offer this box in a smaller size, suitable for desk use.
This rather large argillite box was first ascribed to Charles Edenshaw by Marius Barbeau, but later research indicates that it was made by John Robson, the stepfather of Edenshaw. This is a monumental piece, outstanding in its type and carving, done at the height of the early classic period. Made in Canada. The size of the original box is 16 x 12 x 7 inches. Our museum quality reproduction is smaller, 7½ x 4½ x 5 inches, made from a natural resin composite to attain the heft of the argillite original.
Front: The front of the box shows the bear. Bears were held in great respect by the Coastal Indians because of their humanlike qualities. Bears that had been killed were taken to the chief's house and treated like guests. Prayers and dances were made to the soul of the bear so that harm would not later befall the hunters. The bear motif is often found carved and painted on totem poles and used in many other art works.
Top: After the great flood, Raven was gorging himself on edibles on the beach. Hearing some strange sounds, he found a giant clamshell with little beings wiggling inside. He crooned and coaxed them out, and they were the first humans. The top of the box shows the people coming out of the clam shell, flanked on both sides by a frog and bear.
Back: The back of the box shows the mosquito crest. The mosquito crest is one of the less common Haida crests, characterized by the mosquito's long projecting proboscis or beak.
Ends: The ends of the box show the beaver. The Beaver was a common motif in Haida carvings, often found on totem poles, boxes and bowls. The Beaver can be recognized by his large prominent incisors and cross-hatched tail.
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