Florence Davidson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Florence Edenshaw Davidson
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| Jadał q'egəngá | |
Florence Davidson weaves a spruce root hat around 1976.
Photo by Ulli Steltzer |
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| Born | September 15, 1896 |
| Died |
December 13, 1993 (aged 97)
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| Nationality | Haida, Canadian First Nations |
| Known for | Traditional basketry and button-blankets; consultant on Haida language |
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Notable work
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During My Time: Florence Edenshaw Davidson, a Haida Woman |
| Spouse(s) | Robert Davidson (1880–1969); thirteen children. Father, Charles Edenshaw. Daughter, Primrose Adams. Grandsons, Reg Davidson and Robert Davidson |
Florence Edenshaw Davidson (1896–1993) was an important First Nations artist from the Haida nation in Canada. She was famous for making beautiful baskets and special button-blankets. Florence was also a respected elder in her village of Masset, located on Haida Gwaii in British Columbia.
Her Early Life
Florence Edenshaw was born in Masset on September 15, 1896. Her father was the well-known Haida artist Charles Edenshaw, also known as Chief Idɨnsaw. Her mother was Isabella. Florence was given the Haida name Jadał q'egəngá, which means "Story Maid." When she was a child, she helped her mother sew button blankets. These blankets are special cloaks decorated with buttons, often used for ceremonies.
Florence belonged to the Raven side of her family, called a "moiety." She was from the Y'akwə'lanas family line, and her family's home was known as the Shark House (Q'ad Nas). Her family's special symbols, called "crests," included the Shark, the Two-Finned Killerwhale, and the Brown Bear.
Her Family Life
On February 23, 1911, Florence married Robert Davidson (1880–1969), who was also Haida. They had a large family with 13 children. One of her daughters, Primrose Adams, also became a talented artist. In 2011, Primrose received the Creative Lifetime Achievement Award for First Nations' Art, showing how artistic talent ran in their family.
Her Work and Art
Florence Davidson became very well known for her amazing blankets. She also created beautiful baskets using materials like spruce roots and cedar. These traditional crafts were very important to the Haida culture.
In the 1960s, Florence shared her knowledge of Haida culture and the history of Masset village. She worked as a "consultant" (someone who gives expert advice) for the writer Christie Harris. Christie Harris wrote a book called Raven's Cry, which was about Haida stories. Florence also helped John Enrico a lot with his studies of the Haida language.
Florence became even more famous after her life story was published in 1982. This book, called During My Time: Florence Edenshaw Davidson, a Haida Woman, was written with an "anthropologist" (a scientist who studies human societies and cultures) named Margaret B. Blackman.
Her Legacy
Florence Davidson passed away on December 13, 1993. Her artistic skills and cultural knowledge continue through her family. Her grandsons, Reg Davidson and Robert Davidson, are both well-known woodcarvers and sculptors. They carry on the family's artistic traditions.
