Gordon Cross

The late Gordon Cross was a highly respected Haida Master Carver living and working in Skidegate, Haida Gwaii. He is one of the most influential Haida gold and silver carvers from the 20th century. Many of today's Haida carvers are proud to have learned from Gordon Cross.

Gordon Cross was born in 1911 at the Claxton Cannery on the Skeena River. His father was John Cross, chief of Skidegate, who himself was a very prolific and sought after master carver in wood, argillite as well as silver and gold.

Gordon started carving argillite around 1940. After he had an accident that didn't allow him to go fishing anymore, he started carving silver and gold jewellery in 1965. He quickly built an excellent reputation as a jewelry carver and was very successful from the beginning on. His success as a professional carver helped him inspire and train countless young Haida Carvers that have become very successful themselves. These apprentices are now inspiring the next generation, to continue the tradition and develop it further.