Description
Early Haida Argillite Trade Pipe
Date: 1840-1850
Materials: argillite
Artist: Unknown Haida carver
Dimensions: 7”L x 1 ¼” x 9/16”
Provenance: Canadian Private collection
Description: This pipe is a very good example of a mid-nineteenth century Haida argillite pipe referred to as an “elaborated portrait pipe” by Dr. Robin Wright in her PHD dissertation. Wright studied over 1000 argillite pipes. This pipe was derived from the early mid 19th C clay pipes trade to the Haida’s by Euro-American sea borne traders. This sub-type pipe is characterized by images of non-native seaman in various poses, perched on the stem of the pipe, while the bowl is carved in the representation of a human face with a fillet or band around the hair. The carved figure on the back of the stem is a contorted human figure. Note the unusual twist stem design. An elegant small form pipe.
