CULTURAL GROUP:
Haida

BORN:
1925

BIRTHPLACE:
Skidegate, Haida Gwaii

Tom Hans held Eagle as his family crest, and his Haida name was Aye Aye. He was one of the most prolific argillite carvers living in British Columbia. Born in 1925, he grew up in Skidegate and started to carve argillite at the age of thirteen. His grandfather was Henry Young, and his father was Ike Hans. His father both taught and encouraged him in the art of argillite carving. For over fifty years, Tom was dedicated to carving argillite, and teaching younger carvers. In terms of Tom's carving style, he often depicts legends and myths, rather than singular crest figures. His pieces also contain a great amount of detail.