SLATE CARVING
References:

Plate 11, Figure 4... Slate Box: Sea Monster (Wasgo),
Whales, Frogs (a) Side.
(bo) End. Haida.
Plate 11, Figure 6. Slate Box. Carved: Eagle on
Side of Box. Haida.

The two specimens of carved slate boxes give but a partial
idea of this type of Haida art, which though believed to be of
relatively recent origin was exercised in a variety of forms.
Slate boxes were not only skilfully carved but are beautifully
polished, the joints made with wooden dowels and further se-
cured with fish glue. The specimen shown in Figure 4 measures
7 1/2 inches in length and 6 inches in height. It is regrettable
that only the side of the box illustrated by Figure 6 remains un-
damaged, for the design is admirable in vitality and execution.

The most familiar form of these slate carvings are representa-
tions of myths on miniature poles a few inches high. Some of them
show excellent work, though the technique is primarily that em-
ployed for the carving of wood, stone or horn. Clever examples
of the characteristic adaptation of intricate designs to round
and flat surfaces are also to be found on numerous slate dishes
and panels of varying dimensions of which the subjects are i
mythical land and séa creatures. The best pieces are the work
of Chief Edensaw and his faithful Tlingit slave, who are said to
have spent much time in friendly rivalry in this pursuit. It is
thought to have received considerable stimulus some eighty or a \
hundred years ago, when early travellers demanded small examples
of the special art of these tribes to carry away as souvenirs.

The slate is black argilite found only at Skidegate, Queen
Charlotte Islands. Soft when dug, it hardens after some exposure
to the air and takes a fine polish. Used generally in the ‘forms
already mentioned, it is also employed for elaborately carved
pipes and is sometimes inlaid with copper, abalone she liesor
ivory.

a 6ces