2 1/2" by 1 1/2", abalone inlay.
Fine black silt argillite, sometimes called "black slate" occurs only at a quarry near the town of Skidegate in Haida Gwaii. Only the Haida can use the argillite
Calvin Bell was born in 1950 in Masset, Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands). Calvin is a member of the Haida Nation. The two finned Killerwhale and the Grizzly Bear are his family crest symbols. He has been carving argillite since 1971. He credits Ron Russ with getting him started and teaching him the basics. Calvin carves gold and silver as well as argillite. He is one of the few artists that maintain the traditional old style of carving. His expertise is evident in each piece he creates. His depth of carving, precise inlay, and flawless finish make his work widely collected.
