Estate Originals 18K Yellow Gold Hand Carved Raven and Eagle Open Cuff Bangle Bracelet, Signed 'C. Mills'

This custom and handmade yellow gold open-ended cuff style bangle bracelet by indigenous artist, Clarence Mills, is a fine example of Indigenous art. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, embodying both elegance and cultural significance in its hand-carved depiction of the Raven and the Eagle. This bracelet is as meaningful as it is visually stunning and is signed on the inside by the artist.

Clarence Mills is a world-renowned Haida artist creating artwork in the ancient traditions of his people. He was born at Skidegate, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, on October 20, 1958, and began studying traditional Haida art at the age of eighteen. His given name is Gahghin-skuss. Clarence is a member of the Eagle Clan and takes the Split Raven and Grizzly Bear as his crests. Over the past 20 years, Clarence has established himself both abroad, in the United States and Europe, as well as Canada. He has produced carvings in ivory, Argillite, and wood, including monumental-size totem poles for international events, as well as engraved jewellery and limited-edition serigraph prints. His totem poles have been displayed internationally at Worlds Expos and at world-class museums such as the Louvre. Clarence’s work is sought after by many collectors of high-quality artwork, both locally and internationally.

This piece is engraved with a depiction of the Raven and Eagle. The back of the bracelet is signed '97' 18K and 'Haida Eagle Raven'. Native American symbols play an important part in the culture and history of First Nations in North America. Each animal represents and symbolizes different stories, traits, personality, and values. The Raven is characterized by a straight beak and lack of ears or plumage on its head. Mischievous and curious, the Raven plays many important roles. For some, he symbolizes creation, transformation, knowledge, prestige as well as the complexity of nature and the subtlety of truth. 

He also symbolizes the unknown and shows that every person sees the world in a different way. The Raven was often called upon to clarify truths in visions, as the wise elders knew that what the eye sees is not always the truth. Many people of the Pacific Northwest Coast refer to him as a helper to the creator. In stories, the Raven is intelligent, curious, and resourceful, yet cunning, greedy, and mischievous. The Raven’s mischief has led to him being a cultural hero who is respected for placing the moon and the sun in the sky and discovering the first humans along the west coast. The Raven is a long-distance healer and is known as the “keeper of secrets.” It is a sacred and noble creature representing power and prestige to the First Nations people of the Northwest Coast.

Eagle feathers play a substantial part in religious and shamanic practices and ceremonies. The feathers were only allowed to be worn by people who had earned the privilege. For example, warriors that had done extremely well in battles would have a feather rewarded to them. Eagle feathers transmit strength and give the ability to speak honestly from the heart, without hurt or anger. The middle vane in the feather symbolizes the path that every man walks in their lifetime, and every barb that comes off the middle vane symbolizes the choices we all have in life, and that every choice we make is attached to the middle or main path that we take.

• 18K yellow gold
• Average total gram weight: 61.7
• Independently appraised value for insurance purposes: $25,155.00
• Appraisal certificate included
• Measures approximately 3.6cm in width and 5.5cm across

All items in the Estate Originals Collection are estate pieces created in years gone by. Although this item is in excellent condition, it could have some signs of its age and past enjoyment. The images shown are of the exact item you will receive.