CHRISTIAN WHITE (1962-) HAIDA, HAIDA GWAII (QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS) / (OLD MASSET)
Raven Chief, 2003
argillite, mastodon walrus tusk, abalone, and catlinite, 11.75 x 5.75 x 5 in (29.8 x 14.6 x 12.7 cm)
titled, inscribed with artist's initials, dated, and further inscribed, "Raven Cheif [sic] / Yaahl 7" tl'aagdaas / CW / 2003 / Haida Gwaii".

ESTIMATE: $40,000 — $60,000

Provenance
Collection of John and Joyce Price, Seattle.

Christian White is a master Haida argillite carver with a career that began as a teenager and continues to the present. His style is defined by the elaborate use of inlays of mastodon walrus tusk, catlinite, abalone, and stone. Immersed in his Haida culture, White is an artist, teacher, dedicated cultural performer, and student of the language. He created a longhouse in Masset for ceremonial purposes, community events and the training of new artists, and has had several totem poles carved with students erected on Haida Gwaii.

“I can’t get three words into a story without starting a sculpture.” This early quote from Christian explains his approach to motion, movement, and capturing a dramatic moment in time rather than static forms. The Haida have many travelling Raven stories that involve Raven criss-crossing the Northwest Coast on a mission of discovery, meddling and upsetting the balance, often resulting in dramatic changes to the world. Raven would often travel with a companion, Eagle or Butterfly, and they would arrive at distant villages in time for major ceremonial events. Raven would ask to be presented sometimes in human or half human forms, male or female – hiding from his reputation as a meddler. Raven often dressed as a noble with a carved or woven crest hat with potlatch rings (rings represent the number of major potlatches hosted), a fine robe and apron, and a chief’s staff. It is customary to have someone speak on your behalf to ensure that one is not being boastful and is keeping the information to the factual essence. Raven would delegate Eagle as the speaker, but Eagle would often intentionally misrepresent the wishes of Raven.

Gary Wyatt

References: For major argillite works by the artist see Daina Augaitis et al., Raven Travelling: Two Centuries of Haida Art, (Vancouver: Vancouver Art Gallery / Douglas & McIntyre, 2006, cats. 17, 48. See also Ian M. Thom, Challenging Traditions: Contemporary First Nations Art of the Northwest Coast, (Vancouver: Douglas & McIntyre, 2009), pp. 158-161.