Argillite (Kwawhlhal) is a type of rock similar to slate or shale. Argillite used in jewellery exclusively comes from Haida Gwaii’s Slatechuck quarry. This type of argillite doesn’t contain quartz or feldspar, making it completely unique from other argillites all over the world. Argillite is an incredibly soft stone that only ranks at about 2.5 on the Mohs scale. It has a rich history in Haida art and jewellery.
![Feather argillite pendant with sharp curve and abalone shell feature. Pendant sits on a mirror with a green forest background, gives the appearance of the pendant floating in water.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0555/7655/9811/files/feather-argillite_600x600.jpg?v=1661895843)
Origins of Argillite
In Haida’s Skidegate dialect, argillite is called kwawhlhal. Argillite used in jewellery is mined from the Slatechuck quarry near Skidegate on the eastern side of Graham Island. This quarry is an incredibly remote and sacred place. Only a select few know how to get to the quarry and few will allow outsiders to know its location. Because argillite is so valuable to the Haida, only Haida members have access to the materials from the Slatechuck quarry. In 1941, the Skidegate band acquired the land surrounding the quarry. To this day, you must receive special permission from the band council to visit.
There is debate over the origins of argillite carvings. Many believe the practice became popular in the early 19th century because of European settlers. The theory is that the Haida used their argillite carvings to trade with the visiting Europeans. Carvings from this era include references from both Haida and European cultures, many of which included some kind of visual pun or joke.
Although argillite carvings may have been popularized by European traders, other anthropologists believe carving argillite is a long-standing practice since before settlers arrived. This art form continues to thrive and develop as time goes on.
Purchasing Argillite Carvings
When purchasing argillite, it’s important to distinguish whether or not the piece is authentic. Real argillite exclusively comes from and is carved by, Haida tribe members. Art claiming to be anything else is not real argillite and should be avoided. Another way to tell whether the argillite is real or fake is to touch the stone. As a stone, argillite typically feels cool to the touch. Some jewellery may include a special backing to protect the stone since it’s so soft. If you can’t touch the stone, make sure you’re purchasing from a reputable seller like Artina’s Jewellery or an independent artist directly from Haida Gwaii.
![Argillite whale tail drop earrings with abalone featured in the earrings.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0555/7655/9811/files/whale-tail-earrings_600x600.png?v=1653587419)
![Raven in crescent moon pendant made wit argillite and abalone shell.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0555/7655/9811/files/raven-cresent-moon-pendant_600x600.png?v=1653587490)
Like other sculptures, imagine the argillite carving coming to life and telling a story. When carvers see a piece of slate, they typically already see the figure trapped inside the stone. The material is then cut into an approximate size using a carpenter’s saw. Then using chisels and other cold metal tools, the artist adds detail. Finally, the stone is sanded and polished until it achieves a glossy sheen. Throughout the years, the tools argillite carvers used have evolved and changed. There could be a number of different techniques an artist may use while carving. As mentioned, this is a practice that continues to grow and develop to this day.
14 products
![Argillite Carved Out Raven Pendant hand carved by Haida artist, Amy Edgars.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/305790_{width}x.jpg?v=1657661562)
![Argillite Eagle Wing Earrings hand carved by Haida artist, Amy Edgars.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/2910695_{width}x.jpg?v=1657671562)
![Argillite Rain Drop Stud Earrings hand carved by Haida artist, Amy Edgars.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/2910694_{width}x.jpg?v=1657671188)
![Argillite Salmon Egg Stud Earrings hand carved by Haida artist, Amy Edgars.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/335694_{width}x.jpg?v=1657669229)
![Argillite Raven Head Earrings hand carved by Haida artist, Amy Edgars.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/335297_{width}x.jpg?v=1657668869)
![Argillite Half Moon with Raven Pendant hand carved by Haida artist, Amy Edgars.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/305667_{width}x.jpg?v=1657666643)
![Argillite Cut Out Half Moon Pendant hand carved by Haida artist, Amy Edgars.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/353661_{width}x.jpg?v=1657663422)
![Side-view of eagle head facing right. Circular abalone set in eye. Hand-carved by Haida artist Amy Edgars.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/files/Argillite_Eagle_Head_Pendant_{width}x.jpg?v=1708554374)
![Each earring features a teardrop piece of argillite with the side-view of a hummingbird’s head pointing upwards. There is abalone in the eye. Hand-carved by Haida artist Amy Edgars.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/files/Teardrop_Hummingbird_Argillite_Earrings_{width}x.jpg?v=1708540786)
![Cut-out eagle head, facing right, in circle argillite pendant with abalone adornments. Hand-carved and cut by Haida artist Amy Edgars.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/files/Cut-Out_Eagle_in_Circle_Argillite_Pendant_{width}x.jpg?v=1708468889)
![Hand-carved argillite feather dangle earrings, each with a small abalone circle near top of earring. Feathers pointing downwards. By Haida artist Amy Edgars.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/files/Argillite_Feather_Dangle_Earrings_{width}x.jpg?v=1708554525)
![Side view of a grizzly bear’s head with an open mouth. Abalone accent in eye. Pendant measures 2.50” x 1.38” including bail.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Argillite_Grizzly_Bear_Pendant_{width}x.jpg?v=1681512749)
![These argillite stone and abalone earrings have chunky argillite hangs that have been carved to depict the Raven. The Ravens head is by the hangs and is has a wing depicted below it. There is abalone set by the wing and in the eye.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/2910697_{width}x.jpg?v=1657674568)
![Argillite Cut Out Raven Earrings hand carved by Haida artist, Amy Edgars.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/335697_{width}x.jpg?v=1657669587)