Chess Set (without board)
This chess set is a reproduction of an argillite chess set in the Canadian History Museum's Haida Gwaii collection. The set was carved by Christian M. White, a member of the Haida Nation, in 1997. In creating the set, he spent a great deal of time reflecting on how to portray the Haida culture within chess traditions. His inspiration came from the seven main figures of Haida mythology. As a game of chess has only six characters, the two Rooks were each assigned a different Haida figure, completing the Haida pantheon without affecting the strategy of the game. The artist chose his father's Eagle clan to represent the King and his mother's Raven clan to represent the Queen. The Bishop Frog, Orca (Killer Whale) Knight, Rook Bear, Rook Beaver and human form of the Watchman complete the set.
The museum quality reproductions are made from a natural resin composite to attain the heft of the argillite originals. The chess set is comprised of 16 black pieces and 16 white pieces. The pieces range in size from the Eagle King at 3¼ inches to the 2 inch Rooks. Made in Canada by Boma.
This chess set is a reproduction of an argillite chess set in the Canadian History Museum's Haida Gwaii collection. The set was carved by Christian M. White, a member of the Haida Nation, in 1997. In creating the set, he spent a great deal of time reflecting on how to portray the Haida culture within chess traditions. His inspiration came from the seven main figures of Haida mythology. As a game of chess has only six characters, the two Rooks were each assigned a different Haida figure, completing the Haida pantheon without affecting the strategy of the game. The artist chose his father's Eagle clan to represent the King and his mother's Raven clan to represent the Queen. The Bishop Frog, Orca (Killer Whale) Knight, Rook Bear, Rook Beaver and human form of the Watchman complete the set.
The museum quality reproductions are made from a natural resin composite to attain the heft of the argillite originals. The chess set is comprised of 16 black pieces and 16 white pieces. The pieces range in size from the Eagle King at 3¼ inches to the 2 inch Rooks. Made in Canada by Boma.
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Argillite Reproductions
The Haida carvings in argillite are some of the finest presentations of totemic art. These reproductions are well made from original work in Canada, made in a natural resin composite with the heft and finish of the originals. These museum quality reproductions of the older work are available in a range of styles that can be more casually displayed so that the art can be enjoyed on an everyday basis.
The reproductions are made by Boma, a Canadian company producing a range of collectibles and giftware.
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Christian White
Christian White was born in 1962 in Queen Charlotte City, Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia) and grew up in Old Masset. He is from the Dadens Yahgulaanas Raven Clan and his Haida name is "Kilthguulans" (Voice of Gold). Carving since the age of 14, he has become well known for his work in argellite. Christian belongs to an extended family of practicing artists and cultural preservers, being taught by his father, Morris White and studying the works of his great-great grandfather, Charles Edenshaw.
