Xhuwaji - Haida Grizzly Bear: Centennial Series: Framed Art Card

Bill Reid, Haida

CAD $35.00

Bill Reid's Xhuwaji, Haida Grizzly Bear first appeared on a ceremonial drum crafted by the Sam family of Ahousaht, B.C. Two years later, Reid adapted the design for reproduction as silkscreen prints, with proceeds benefitting the Artists for Kids Trust. Xhuwaji (Grizzly Bear) was a favorite character of Bill Reid's and he often used it in his jewelry designs and sculpture. Xhuwaji is an important crest among the Haida Nation and plays a significant role in ancient Haida narratives.

Building upon the broad range of his expression, Bill Reid translated his original designs of animal crests into limited edition Serigraph, Lithograph, Woodcut prints and drawings.

This is a reproduction of one of those limited edition Serigraphs.

Centennial Series: Double Matted Framed Art Card (Matte: 2 3/4")

Frame: 12"w x 14 1/2"h x 7/8"d (30cm x 36.5cm x 2.2cm)

Printed and made in Canada.

This beautiful framed art card comes framed, includes a biography that is attached to the back and is ready to hang.

*Please note: While every effort will be made to ship this item without damage, there is always a risk in shipping glass.

These are also available in a matted version: The matted art cards are lightweight, easy to ship and ready to frame.

BILL REID (HAIDA) Close

Bill Reid (1920-1998) was an acclaimed master goldsmith, carver, sculptor, writer, broadcaster, mentor and community activist. Reid was born in Victoria, BC to a Haida mother and an American father with Scottish German roots, and only began exploring his Haida roots at the age of 23. This journey of discovery lasted a lifetime and shaped Reid's artistic career.

Reid became a pivotal force in building bridges between Indigenous people and other peoples. Through his mother, he was a member of the Raven clan from T'aanuu with the wolf as one of his family crests. Raven is known as a mischievous trickster, who also plays an important part in transforming the world. Many of these traits matched Bill Reid's personality. In 1986, Reid was presented with the Haida name Yaahl Sgwansung, meaning The Only Raven.