Hlgas7agaa & Gulxa (Argillite & Abalone)

 Now on view at the Redpath Museum, this special display brings together Haida sculptures carved from argillite from the Visual Arts Collection and abalone shells from the Redpath Museum. Traditionally, Haida artists have paired argillite and abalone shell in their carvings, a combination that reflects their deep relationship with both land and sea. This pairing can be seen in Raven and the Moon by Greg White Lightbown, where shimmering fragments of abalone shell bring the Raven's eyes to life.

Emerging from our 2024 BEAD PAINT CARVE exhibition in the McLennan Library—which celebrated Indigenous art on campus by highlighting diverse artistic practices—this display continues that story and invites you to experience the enduring connection between art and the natural world.

Research by Catie Galbraith, Chickasaw Nation (SSMU Indigenous Curatorial Intern, McGill Visual Arts Collection, 2022). Curated by Hi'iakalehuakaulei Hashimoto, ‘Ōiwi (Hawaiian) (Indigenous Curatorial Intern, McGill Visual Arts Collection 2024-5) and Michelle Macleod (Curator, McGill Visual Arts Collection).

View our display at the Redpath Museum during their opening hours:

Tuesday to Friday 9:00AM - 4:30PM

Saturday 10:00AM - 4:00PM