Dowry Board
We ship to the US 🇺🇸 — duties and taxes are estimated at checkout so there are no surprises at the door.
Indigenous-owned. Artist-designed.
Description:
Hand-carved cedar dowry boards with abalone and mother of pearl shell inlay. Each one is made start to finish by our team.
Karver builds the boards. Rob engraves them. Erin and Rob paint them. Erin sets every piece of shell inlay by hand.
Designs are by Andy Everson (K'ómoks and Kwakwaka'wakw). The Dogfish Dowry Board is designed by Jesse Brillon (Haida).
PLEASE READ BEFORE ORDERING — SHELL INLAY VARIES
The shell in your board will not look like the shell in the photo.
Abalone and mother of pearl are natural shell. Every piece is cut by hand from a different shell, and no two pieces are the same colour or pattern. Depending on the shell, the inlay can read blue, green, teal, purple, pink, gold, cream or grey. Some pieces are bright and some are subtle. The photo shows one board from one batch and is a guide to the design only.
Wood grain varies board to board as well. Cedar colour, grain direction and figure are different in every piece.
This is what handmade work looks like. Variation in the shell and the grain is not a flaw and is not grounds for return. If you need a piece that matches a photo exactly, please don't order this one.
Made on K'ómoks territory. Each board is signed by the artist who designed it.
FAQ
Where do you ship to?
We ship from Canada throughout North America and internationally. International customers are responsible for any import duties, tariffs, or customs fees charged by their country. Learn more in our full Shipping & Returns Policy
Who pays customs fees, duties, or tariffs on Totem Design House orders?
International customers may be required to pay import duties, tariffs, or customs fees based on their country’s regulations. These charges are not included in our product or shipping prices and are the customer’s responsibility upon delivery. If an order is refused due to unpaid customs fees, any refund will be issued only after the returned items are received in their original condition. Please note that return shipping costs and any loss or damage during return transit will be deducted from the refund.
Are Totem Design House products authentically Indigenous-made?
Yes. Totem Design House is proudly 100% Indigenous-owned and operated. All of our designs are created by Indigenous artists, including award-winning Northwest Coast artist Andy Everson, and the majority of our products are made in-house at our studio on K’ómoks First Nation territory. By purchasing from us, you are directly supporting Indigenous artists, cultural revitalization, and sustainable business practices.
Are Totem Design House products sustainably made and eco-friendly?
Yes. At Totem Design House, we prioritize eco-friendly materials and sustainable production practices. Whenever possible, we source organic fabrics, recycled metals, and locally produced materials. Most of our products are designed and made in-house to reduce our environmental footprint and ensure exceptional quality. Supporting Totem Design House means supporting Indigenous artists and a business that values sustainability, cultural integrity, and ethical production.
About us
Indigenous Woman-Owned
Totem Design House is a proudly Indigenous-owned and operated lifestyle brand founded by Haida and Cree entrepreneur Erin Brillon. From our studio on K’ómoks First Nation territory, we create products that blend traditional stories with modern design. Every purchase directly supports Indigenous artists, cultural revitalization, and sustainable business practices.
Guided by Indigenous Values
Totem Design House is more than a lifestyle brand — we’re a social enterprise. A portion of every purchase supports Copper Legacy Indigenous Empowerment Society, funding initiatives that uplift Indigenous communities and cultural revitalization. Through our products, we share the stories, teachings, and traditions of our ancestors, creating opportunities for education while celebrating authentic Indigenous artistry. Our work is grounded in sustainability, reciprocity, and respect for the land and culture.
About Our Artists
Our designs are created by award-winning Indigenous artists, including Andy Everson of the K’ómoks First Nation & Jesse Brillon of the Haida & Cree Nations. Each piece carries a story — celebrating our connection to the land, the ocean, and our ancestors. When you shop Totem Design House, you’re supporting real artists and helping to keep Indigenous traditions alive.