Supernatural Sea Grizzly Pendant by Billy NC Yovanovich (Haida)

Material:Yew wood, red cedar weaving, copper bale

Technique: Hand-carved with hand-woven red cedar bark weaving

Dimensions: 4 1/4 inches x 2 1/4 inches x 2 inches (108 mm x 57 mm x 50.8 mm) 

Year: 2023

Sea Grizzly Design: 

Sea Grizzly is a supernatural being and a crest of the Haida nation. The supernatural sea grizzly has features of grizzly bear and whale. In this carving, notice the grizzly bear features, such as the ears, eyes, and teeth, and the whale features, such as a dorsal fin poking out between the ears and a blow hole between the eyes. The sea grizzly is also a traditional crest of the Gaa K'yaals KiiGawaay Skedans clan. Although grizzly bears don't inhabit Haida Gwaii, these crests were brought to Haida Gwaii through connections with nearby nations from the mainland.

By Haida Artist, Billy NC Yovanovich, Kuuhlaanuu:

Billy NC Yovanovich, Kuuhlaanuu is a Haida artist from Ts’aahl Eagle clan on Haida Gwaii. From age 17 to 18, he took three design workshops to learn Haida formline design with the renowned Haida artist Robert Davidson. During that time, he began an after-school mentorship to learn design and formline from the late Ben Davidson. Billy has also apprenticed under the late Timmy Boyko and Garner Moody for wood carving. He worked alongside his teachers on totem pole projects for the Skidegate Co-op and the local hospital in Daajing Giids. In 2023 he was the lead carver on his first totem pole, which was for the Skidegate Health Center here on Haida Gwaii. This is a testament to his growing reputation and skill. The name of this pole is “Low Tide Woman” and it is one of eight poles featuring Haida supernatural female beings that were commissioned by the Skidegate Health Centre.

"With all of these different teachers, I have learned a unique style which is my own, taking inspiration from all of my teachings."