Argillite,faux-argillite and black plastic: The political economy of simulating a quintessential Haida substance

Abstract

Hlgas7agaa or argillite is a type of carbonaceous shale that is found on Slatechuck Mountain, in Haida Gwaii. Since the 19th century, the Haida have been producing argillite carvings for sale, including small-scale totem poles. Argillite carvings are now a much revered art form, and the Haida remain the only ones to have direct access to this stone. However, various companies produce imitations of argillite carving in composite materials, with more or less success in producing the ‘look’ and ‘feel’ of argillite. All these imitations, including those that are nowhere near achieving convincing simulation, acquire an added commercial appeal that distinguishes them from ‘plastic totem poles’ by evoking a symbolically, socially, economically, and culturally valued material. Arguably, this makes producers of argillite-like items indebted to those who have made argillite so valuable by carefully guarding it from outside circulation in raw form, namely the Haida.