#37 • Haida Totemic Argillite Candle Holders

Part of September 2025 Premier Auction (live auction by Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals)

High bid $1,400.00

Status: Sold

A pair of late 19th-century Haida candlestick holders carved in argillite, the soft black slate quarried exclusively on Haida Gwaii and worked only by Haida artists. Each stands 5 inches tall by 3 inches wide, their modest scale belying the intricacy and depth of the carving. The very fine level of craftsmanship in this pair is evident in the precise detailing, balanced proportions, and the subtle modeling of form that brings each figure to life. Both examples are fully worked on opposing sides, offering different imagery depending on orientation. One holder features an owl on one face and a raven on the reverse, while the second shows an eagle on one side and a transformation figure of a hawk-man on the other. This dual-sided approach gives each piece a dynamic presence, as they shift character depending on how they are displayed.