Panel depicting Eagle, 2013
by Thomas Booth Jr., Alaskan Tsimshian
red cedar, abalone inlays, copper insets
11" high x 11" wide x 1" deep
Alaskan Tsimshian artist Thomas Booth Jr. was born in 1975 in Metlakatla, AK. He attended Metlakatla High School studying Northwest Coast traditional formline design and carving with Tsimshian Master Carver Jack Hudson. Thomas took six years of classes from Hudson before he began to carve for a living.
Thomas is passionate about keeping alive his Tsimshian cultural heritage through his artwork. Tsimshian society is matrilineal, with descent traced through the female line and belonging to one of four clans: Raven, Wolf, Eagle or Killer Whale. Thomas’ designs usually represent one of the four Alaskan Tsimshian clans.
Thomas is known for his panels, spoons and paddles. Every work is one of a kind, finely detailed, and meticulously painted, using copper and/or abalone shell to accent his designs. Each piece is created from Thomas’ heart and soul.
