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Authentic Haida carvings and argillite carvings by master artists from Haida Gwaii. These rare works of Haida sculpture feature intricate storytelling and cultural symbolism carved into the unique black slate found only in the region. Own a piece of West Coast native carving history.
Argillite, a carbonaceous slate found on a single mountaintop on Haida Gwaii, is a material long coveted by Haida artists. The elaborate Haida argillite carvings and sculptures are among some of the most distinctive and highly sought-after works from the Northwest Coast.
Known as Kwaa HlGahl, this unique black stone originates from Slate Chuck Mountain near Skidegate and has been used by Haida carvers for generations. Historically, argillite held deep cultural significance as early carvings included amulets bearing crests and worn for protection by SGaaga (medicine people).
Over time, the use of argillite evolved alongside shifting cultural and economic contexts. By the 19th century, Haida artists began producing works for trade, including Victorian-inspired objects such as pipes and tableware, followed by carvings depicting European figures like ships and sailors. Later, artists returned to more explicitly Haida narratives, creating intricate works that depict ancestral stories and Supernatural beings on model poles, bowls, and platters—pieces that continue to be highly valued by collectors and cultural institutions today. Curious to learn more? Our Haida art page explores the history and traditions behind the celebrated art forms of the Haida.
