This is a classic Haida designed bracelet depicting a Raven, one of the two moieties of the Haida nation. All the forms are compacted and folded to fit the shape of the bracelet, with dense wing and body forms forming the centre, and the beak and tail tapering towards the two ends. Hand cut with precision lines, cross hatching, and balanced formline, this bracelet shows Davidson’s skill as both a master designer and craftsman. This bracelet was carved in 1995, which was a year with limited artistic production due to the extensive planning and the creation of regalia pieces for his wedding to Terri Lynn Williams the following year. This would be the first traditional Haida wedding in modern history. Following the wedding, Davidson began a multi-year process to develop each of three museum exhibitions and several totem pole commissions, which further limited his opportunity to create jewellery. The few recent pieces have all been for family commissions.

Gary Wyatt

References: For a gold bracelet by the artist from 1990, and an overview of the artist’s work and career up to 1993, see Ian M. Thom, ed., Robert Davidson: Eagle of the Dawn, (Vancouver: Vancouver Art Gallery/Douglas & McIntyre, 1993), pp. 140; for examples in silver from various years see pp. 42, 46, 50, 62, 76, 77.