Sterling Silver Halibut Hook Pendant by Meaghan McRae (Gitxsan)

Design: This is a replica of the halibut hooks historically used by the Haida and northwest coast nations. The v-shaped 2-piece shank hook owes its success to a design that accommodates the flat shape of the halibut & responds to its way of eating.

Meaghan McRae is a Gitxsan artist living and working in Vancouver, B.C. She was born in Port Moody, B.C. in 1986 and belongs to the killer whale fireweed clan. McRae attended Emily Carr University and graduated from the Jewellery Art and Design program at VCC. She has worked alongside other local Indigenous artists. 

McRae prefers to make larger, statement style pieces of jewelry and favours bold forms with high contrast stones or other added details. She works in silver, gold and copper. She specializes in hand carving wax sculpture prototypes that will be then cast in metal before being engraved. Many of her pieces are designed around the love of creating work with a more 3D base to them. She also loves to produce beaded jewelry, a skill which she has always has an appreciation for growing up beading with her Grandma Elizabeth.