Tom Hans

Tom Hans, Haida artist

Haida Nation

Born in 1925, Tom Hans grew up in Skidegate on the Haida Gwaii Islands as a part of the Eagle clan.  His Haida name was Aye Aye, and he first began carving at the tender age of 13.  Henry Young was his grandfather and Ike Hans was his father.  It was his father who instilled him with the inspiration to carve Argillite, and he eventually became one of the most prolific Argillite carvers living on the westcoast of British Columbia.  Tom was dedicated to carving Argillite for over 50 years and during that time he taught younger carvers as well.  His Argillite works are incredibly detailed and his pieces illustrate the myths and legends of First Nations culture.