Skidegate Mission, BC Argillite Pendant

Arthur was a prolific Haida carver from Skidegate, Haida Gwaii. He was a man steeped in the argillite-carving tradition. His stepfather was carver Thomas Moody and his son Rufus was one of the most productive carvers in the Pacific Northwest during the second half of the twentieth century. The Moody family likely contributed a greater volume of Haida argillite to the market than any three generations in a single family. Arthur is said to have learned carving from Robert Miller (1860 - 1930), who came from Tasu, Haida Gwaii. Arthur once carved a 48-inch argillite totem pole and from the proceeds built himself a house in Skidegate. In addition to argillite carving, Arthur also played the cornet and conducted local ensembles on Haida Gwaii and in northern BC.

Signed on the back and dated