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BASED IN THE HEART OF HAIDA GWAII SINCE 1984
$5,000.00
FREE SHIPPING TO CANADA & USA.
Bear Mother Story: The Bear Mother story tells of a young woman who disrespects bears. She is forced to marry the bear chief and gives birth to children who embody both human and bear qualities. This story carries teachings of respect, reciprocity, and the connections between humans, the natural world, and supernatural beings.
This bentwood chest portrays the Bear Mother narrative through a forest-inspired palette of matte black, dark green, and copper, colours of the land where the story unfolds.
Bear Mother appears on the front of the box, while Mouse Woman, a guiding and ever-present supernatural female being, appears on the front of the box below Bear Mother. Mouse Woman is often depicted on the front of bentwood boxes, watching over and protecting the contents stored inside. A huckleberry bush appears on the back of the box, and the two bear cubs appear on the sides.
What is a Bentwood Box?
As the name suggests, bentwood boxes are made using a single piece of bent wood for their sides. Their corners are carefully hollowed out, and then, through steaming, the sides of the cedar box are folded, revealing a smooth wood grain on each corner.
These boxes historically were used for many purposes, from storing precious contents to being so airtight that water could be boiled. Today, these boxes continue to be used as functional art, both for storage and storytelling.
By Haida Artist, Daisy White, Stlaanee Jaadaas:
Daisy White is Haida from Old Massett, Haida Gwaii; she comes from the Yahgu ‘Laanaas Raven clan of Dadens. She is the daughter of Derek White Sr and Dorcas Bell. Derek is an accomplished carver who works in silver, argillite, gold and wood, and Dorcas works as a weaver of cedar bark and Raven’s Tail. Being exposed to Haida arts and culture throughout her life has led her to work in her own art practice.
