• Gemstones: Abalone, Argillite
• Measurements: H 2 1/8", W1 1/4", D 1 1/8" / H53mm, W31mm, D28mm
• Totem Symbols: Bear
• Artists: Andrew Williams
• Styles: Canadian First Nations, Gemstone Jewelry
• Categories: Pendants

Bear

The Bear symbolizes strength, independence, learned humility, and teaching. The protector of the animal kingdom. With great power and human like qualities, the Bear is known as the Elder Kinsman and is always treated as a high-ranking guest.

Argillite

Argilite is a fine-grained sedimentary rock, often called “black slate”, and is renowned by the Haida nation for carving. The Haida began carving argillite in response to the early curio trade of the 1820's, allowing them to trade with early European explorers and settlers. Soon the artistic accomplishments of the Haida in the use of materials such as wood, horn, and stone included this new medium. While argillite used to be known as a form of tourist art, it has grown to become one of the most sought after art forms in North American First Nations art. Even today, argillite continues to be carved exclusively by Haida artists both on Haida Gwaii and in the Vancouver and Victoria areas.

Abalone

Abalone is the inner shell of a marine mollusk, which comes in a variety of blues, greens, pinks, browns and blacks. Here in the West Coast abalone was a food source, and the shells were used for necklaces, head dresses, ornamentation and money. Abalone is said to have a calming influence, especially during emotional situations, and upheaval; bringing stability during tides of emotion. Also, it is considered good at boosting intuition and imagination, helping you to come up with new ideas when you are feeling blocked.

Andrew Williams

Andrew Williams was born in 1964 to the Raven Clan, and is from Old Masset on Haida Gwaii. He is self-taught and has been carving since 1995. In June of 1999, Andrew took a shaping course with Haida carver Gary Minaker-Russ through the First Peoples Cultural Foundation Grant. Andrew's influences are Haida artists Christian White and Terry Yeltazie for their inlay work, and Gary Minaker-Russ for his polishing technique and form. In 2009, Andy graduated from Vancouver's Northwest Coast Jewellery Arts program under established Kwakwaka'wakw/Haida artist Dan Wallace.  He works in several mediums including argillite, pipestone, abalone shell, mastodon ivory, as well as gold and silver engraving and graphic design. Andrew continues the tradition of Haida art, in his fine cross hatching and dynamic animal designs.