The Evolution of Haida Art

• Posted on 20 October 2025
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Haida totem pole carved by Corey Bulpitt.

Haida Art is one of the most distinctive and meaningful art forms in the world. Known for its flowing lines, powerful symbols, and deep cultural roots, it has evolved from monumental cedar carvings to silver and gold jewellery, cast bronze sculptures, and glass panels. Yet at every stage, the heart of Haida Art remains the same; it tells stories of identity, ancestry, and connection to the land and sea.

Portable Masterpieces

For thousands of years, Haida artists have developed their unique design style through wood carving, particularly using red and yellow cedar, trees considered sacred living beings. These carvings were formed into totem poles, house posts, ceremonial masks, bentwood boxes, and canoes, each carrying rich symbolic meaning.

Totem poles recorded family lineages, historical events, spiritual stories and beliefs, as well as relationships with the natural world. Each carved figure, including Raven, Eagle, Killer Whale, and Bear, represents a specific story or ancestral connection.

In the 1800s, as contact with European settlers increased, Haida artists began experimenting with new tools and materials. The introduction of metal engraving tools elevated the quality of argillite carving to a new level of perfection. These argillite pieces carried the same precision and storytelling as large wood carvings, but they could be easily sold to eager visitors.  

Haida argillite otter bowl carved by the late Lionel Samuels.

Silver and Gold

The Haida have always made jewellery from copper, stone, bone, and ivory, along with shells such as abalone and dentalium.  They traded widely for materials they didn’t have locally.  They also had access to minimal amounts of precious metals from Asian sources. During the 1800s, with expanded cultural exchange and trade, Haida artists reformed silver and gold coins and, using steel tools created bracelets and other jewellery pieces engraved with traditional Haida formline design.  Metal engraving soon became a hallmark of Northwest Coast artistry.

In silver and gold, Haida artists discovered a new method to honour tradition while embracing innovation as they established a new economy.  These wearable pieces became a form of cultural expression and pride, replacing traditional tattoos.  A silver bracelet, for example, may identify lineage and depict a spiritual experience.

Haida formline design is a system of flowing shapes and symmetrical lines. The new materials allowed cultural stories to move beyond community boundaries, reaching people worldwide.  During the 20th century, Bill Reid and other Haida artists added repousse and chasing, inlay, and lost wax casting to their jewelers’ repertoires.  They also created monumental sculptures cast in bronze.

Bear bracelet by Alvin Adkins

The Language of Haida Art

To truly appreciate Haida Art, it helps to recognize its unique design language, known as formline.

Formline consists of three main elements:

• Ovoids are rounded shapes that often form eyes or joints.

• U-forms, curved shapes that create flow and balance.

• Split U-forms are used to fill spaces and connect elements harmoniously.

These and other shapes are organized together using unwritten rules to create the rhythm and symmetry that define Haida two-dimensional design. Each artwork, no matter the medium, reflects balance and continuity—core values in Haida worldview.

Crest figures are elements of the clan system.  Every person has a primary crest and may have a number of secondary crests.  Some important crests are listed below with some attributes:

• Raven, the transformer and bringer of light.

• Eagle, symbol of vision and sacredness.

• Killer Whale, representing family, unity, and strength.

• Bear Mother, a guardian and symbol of protection.

Understanding these motifs allows collectors and admirers to see beyond aesthetics and into the cultural meaning woven into each piece.

Haida killer whale rattle created by Jay Simeon

Tradition Meets Contemporary Expression

Modern Haida artists continue to evolve this legacy. Many are trained in both traditional wood carving and jewellery-making techniques. Some artists blend ancestral motifs with contemporary materials such as bronze, Forton, glass, and digital media.

Artists such as Jay Simeon, Corey Bulpitt, and other contemporary carvers connect the past with the present. Their work demonstrates that Haida Art is not static—it grows, adapts, and continues to reflect the living culture it springs from.

This ongoing evolution ensures that Haida traditions remain vibrant by passing knowledge and creativity from one generation to the next.

Haida glass butterfly panel designed by Corey Bulpitt

Collecting and Caring for Haida Art

For those who wish to collect Haida Art, authenticity and respect are key. Always look for:

• Artist attribution or signature.

• Quality craftsmanship with clean, flowing formline.

• Authentic materials and hand-carving.

When caring for silver or gold pieces, it is important to use a soft cloth and avoid harsh chemicals. Over-polishing can reduce the fine details of engraving. For wood or argillite carvings, it is recommended to use gentle dusting and maintain stable humidity levels.

Each piece, whether displayed or worn, deserves mindful care. It’s valuable art, and it’s living heritage.

Why Haida Art Endures

The continued appeal of Haida Art lies in its timeless combination of story, skill, and spirit. From towering cedar poles to finely engraved bracelets, each piece of art bridges generations by connecting the ancient with the contemporary.

It’s a language of resilience, one that carries forward Haida identity and worldview.

Haida Art invites you to see, feel, and understand a story that continues to unfold today.

Final Thought

Haida Art’s journey from cedar to silver is not about change—it’s about continuity. The materials may differ, but the purpose remains: to share stories, honour ancestors, and celebrate the enduring beauty of Indigenous culture.