Haida Grizzly ‘Huaji/Xhuwaji’, Limited Edition Print

Bill Reid (Haida)

CAD $2,600.00

The male grizzly bear was a favorite image of Bill Reid, and he used it in his jewelry designs and sculpture. The image of Huaji (Xhuwaji) / Haida Grizzly Bear symbolizes strength and shows the grizzly bear in the traditional Haida colors of red and black. The bear’s large flaring nostrils attest to its fierce character and the protruding tongue symbolizes the oral nature of the Haida people.

Serigraph, Vintage Edition of 600

1973

Unframed

20"w x 25 3/4"h (51cm x 65cm)

Please Note: Discounts do not apply to this item

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.