Haida Wolf - 'Ghuuts' - Copper Series, Framed Art Card

Bill Reid (Haida)

CAD $35.00

The Wolf to the Haidas was a completely imaginary creature, existing on the mainland, but never seen on Haida Gwaii. Nonetheless, he is an important figure in the crest hierarchy. Troublesome, volatile, ferociously playful in Haida mythology, he is usually represented in profile, squatting with a long snout with flared nostrils, large and many teeth including canines, prominent ears, and curled-over tail.

The Wolf had a special significance to Reid since it is a principal crest of his family.

Copper Series, Cream Double Matted Framed Art Card (2 3/4" Matte)

14 1/2"w x 12"h x 7/8"d (36.5cm x 30.5cm x 2.2cm)

*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.