Carmen Goertzen 14K Gold Carved Hummingbird Bangle – Haida Master Carver, 16g, Signed 2007

Hand-Engraved Haida Masterpiece Embodying Joy, Healing, and Northwest Coast Cultural Heritage
Crafted by hereditary Haida chief and master carver Carmen Goertzen, this 14K yellow gold bangle exemplifies the pinnacle of Northwest Coast Indigenous artistry. The deeply engraved hummingbird motif, rendered in classic formline style with flowing, swelling lines and intricate cross-hatching, is accented by subtle floral elements symbolizing renewal and harmony with nature. In Haida tradition, the hummingbird serves as a potent emblem of joy, beauty, good luck, love, devotion, healing, and perseverance—its small yet resilient form evoking life's wonders and positive energy. Weighing 16 grams, this cuff-style bracelet reflects Goertzen's meticulous technique, honed since his apprenticeship under Robert Davidson in the 1980s, with high-relief engraving that creates striking depth and texture against the polished gold surface. Signed "Carmen Goertzen" with a bespoke inscription "Happy 50th Love Mother April 19, 2007," this piece bears the hallmarks of a custom commission, enhancing its provenance as a cherished heirloom from Haida Gwaii. In pristine condition, it stands as a wearable testament to cultural continuity, ideal for collectors of Native art or those seeking meaningful, investment-grade jewelry.
 
Condition: Pristine, with luminous polish and crisp engraving details—free from dents, scratches, or any signs of wear, preserving its original vitality.
 
Features
Solid 14K yellow gold, 16 grams, offering a balanced weight for elegant, everyday wear
Hand-engraved hummingbird with floral motifs in traditional Haida formline, featuring continuous lines, ovoid shapes, and cross-hatched textures for dimensional contrast
Cuff-style design with approximately 6–6.5" inner circumference, 0.5" width, and a flexible gap for comfortable fit
Deep, high-relief carving showcasing Goertzen's signature precision and ancestral influences
Artist signature and dated personalization affirming authenticity and historical context
Cultural symbolism: Hummingbird as a messenger of love, healing, intelligence, and harmony, rooted in Haida oral traditions
 
“An exquisite fusion of masterful craftsmanship and profound cultural symbolism—a timeless Haida legacy.”
— E.T.
 
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is the artist?
A: Carmen Goertzen (Tlaajang Nung Kingaass), born in 1963, is a hereditary chief of the Dadens Yahgu’jaanaas Raven clan from Haida Gwaii. Mentored by Robert Davidson, he has produced gold and silver jewelry since 1984, blending traditional formline with contemporary finesse.
 
Q: What does the hummingbird symbolize?
A: In Haida and Northwest Coast cultures, the hummingbird embodies joy, beauty, good luck, love, devotion, healing, perseverance, and harmony with the natural world, often depicted as a spirited messenger.
 
Q: Is it authentic?
A: Absolutely, authenticated by the artist's signature and 2007 date, aligning with Goertzen's history of personalized commissions and exhibited in galleries worldwide.
 
Q: How do I care for it?
A: Gently polish with a soft, microfiber cloth; avoid abrasives, chemicals, or ultrasonic cleaners to maintain the gold's luster and engraving integrity.