Phil Janze: 2012 BC Creative Achievement Awards for First Nations' Art

Philip Janzé, 20k Yellow Gold Pin with Ammolite, Frontlet Design, 1 5/8" x 2" x 1/2"

We would like to acknowledge and congratulate Gitksan artist Philip Janzé as a recipient of the 2012 BC Creative Achievement Awards for First Nations' Art. Philip's diverse body of work and talent using the repoussé technique have distinguished him as a highly regarded figure within Northwest Coast art. His accomplishments include recognition by the Canadian Jeweller's Challenge in 1982-84 for creating one of six finest pieces in Canada. He is the only Aboriginal artist to have accomplished this, to date. Philip also won top prize in jewellery making from the Aboriginal Northern Affairs Canada Purchase Show in 1984.

We would also like to congratulate artists Wayne Alfred (Kwakwaka'wakw), Skeena Reece (Tsimshian/Gitksan/Cree), Morgan Green (Tsimshian) and David Lloyd Wilson (Okanagan) as fellow recipients and Norman Tait (Nisga'a) as the receipt of the Lifetime Achievement Award for First Nations' Art. For more information on the 2012 recipients - please view the artist's profiles here.


The presentation of the awards will be held on November 19th in Vancouver.

Northwest Coast Native Bracelets: Variations in Sizes and Materials

John Brent Bennett, sterling silver bracelet, Dogfish, 1" x 7", $600.00 CAD

Bracelets have always been important potlatch gifts and are often symbols of rank. Prior to contact with European settlers, bracelets were made of dentalia shell, horn and copper, which was the only local and quarried metal at the time. When colonial activity increased, bracelets were made from gold and silver coins that were traded, hammered flat and cut to shape. This hammered and processed metal was then engraved with both figures for the market and traditional Northwest Coast Native crest symbols. These early coins are easy to identify because the metal is generally very thin and springy.

Today the most common materials used for engraved cuffs are sterling silver and 14k yellow gold. Some artists, such as Steve Smith, have also been expanding into other materials like maple and birch wood. While many of the designs and techniques are traditional, European jewellery techniques have now also been explored including stone-setting and repousse. 

Most of the bracelets that we carry in stock at the gallery are 6" in length. This length tends to fit most wrists, but can also be shaped and molded to fit a particular wrist. We are able to order custom sizes for wrists that are larger or smaller than 6" length.

Currently in the gallery, we have a wide selection of bracelets ranging in size from Justin Rivard's sterling silver baby bracelets (available for $120.00 CAD each) to larger 7" bracelets such as John Brent Bennett's Dogfish bracelet (available for $600.00 CAD).