The Magic Leaves: A History of Haida Argillite Carving

This book recounts the history of Haida argillite carving since it began in the early 1800s, and describes more than 200 examples from the extensive collection of the Royal British Columbia Museum.

Argillite is a dense, black shale mined from a quarry on Haida Gwaii, rerserved for the exclusive use of Haida carvers. Argillite works are unique in style and character, ranging from ceremonial pipes and model poles to elebratorate platters and chests.