Argillite pipe of the S.S.Beaver

Made of soft black shale called argillite, which is only found in Haida Gwaii, this ship pipe is thought to represent the S.S.Beaver, the first paddle wheel steamer on the northwest coast and the Hudson's Bay Company supply ship in the area until 1858. William Mitchell was 1st Mate on the S.S. Beaver from 1842-43. The S.S. Beaver was not reliant on tides and winds, and so she revolutionised the maritime fur trade.

Argillite pipes combining Haida and European motifs were made for sale to traders and other visitors to Haida Gwaii. The ships of HBC and American traders were of great interest to the people of the Northwest coast, and soon became represented in their sculpture. Between 1837 and 1853, the S.S. Beaver was the only paddle steam ship on the northern Northwest coast, and so any pipes dating from that era which have the features common to steamers must have been based on her. With its side paddlewheel made of whalebone which turns on a pin and the representation of a beaver at the figurehead, it is possible that this pipe was carved by a Haida artist at Captain Mitchell's request.

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Related Artefacts

Argillite plates

Wooden jugs

Chilkat blanket