Argillite Oval Bear Pendant Carving by Melanie Russ Haida Artist
Hand-carved argillite bear pendant by Haida artist Melanie Russ from Haida Gwaii. Meaning of the Bear Design: The Haida name for Bear is Taan. Bears represent respect, intelligence, family, and a connection to the forest. Haida Gwaii is home to some of the largest black bears in North America. This hand-carved argillite bear pendant embodies strength, protection, leadership, and family — qualities rooted in traditional stories like Bear Mother, which speaks to peace and harmony between humans and bears. The strong form, smooth texture, and finely polished finish highlight both the material and the artist’s craftsmanship. Bear pendant design is frontal facing and reminiscent of argillite plates, with its oval shape & coin finish. Argillite is a black stone that is geologically classified as slate. The argillite from Haida Gwaii is found on one mountaintop and is protected by the Haida Nation as a stone exclusively carved by the Haida people. Material: Argillite, Sterling Silver Dimensions: 5 1/4 cm long x 3 cm wide (2 1/8 inches long x 1 1/4 inches wide) Chain option: 3mm wide black sterling silver chain Made by Haida Artist Melanie Russ: Melanie Russ is the daughter of the late Haida artists, Faye Russ and Ed Russ, and is originally from Skidegate, Haida Gwaii. She is one of few women argillite carvers and is known for her intricate detail in jewelry and carvings.
No chain, 16 inch chain, 18 inch chain, 20 inch chain, 22 inch chain, 24 inch chain