Mask depicting Long Life Giver, 2005
by David Mungo Knox, Kwakwaka'wakw First Nation
red cedar, cedar bark, pigment
20” high x 14” wide x 6.5” deep
Hereditary Chief David Mungo Knox was born on November 14, 1973 in Port Hardy, British Columbia. He is from the Kwakwaka'wakw nation. He apprenticed under his uncle Tony Hunt Sr., and his cousin Tom Hunt. He is the great grandson of master carver Mungo Martin (1881-1962) and comes from a great line of hereditary chiefs, master carvers, singers, and dancers.
David carries on his family traditions preserving the unique Kwakwaka’wakw style. He works in a variety of mediums, carving in both red and yellow cedar. He also carves and designs his own drums that he uses ceremonially. His goal is to carry on family traditions and to preserve the Kwakwaka’wakw culture.
“My name is David Mungo Knox, my Indian name is, ‘Maswayalidzi’, which means potlatch giver. I am a Walas Kwakiutl artist from Fort Rupert (T’asix’s), British Columbia. Fort Rupert is known as the capital of potlatching, which has been a part of my family’s traditions for many generations.
I am also from a line of Hereditary Chiefs, master carvers and very skilled dancers. My kinmanship stems from my father Chief Peter Knox (Martin) who is the son of David Martin. My grandfather Dave Martin was the only son of the late Chief Mungo Martin. Both my father and grandfather learned their artistic skills from my great-grandfather. I started to carving in the spring of 1991 in Victoria at the Royal BC Museum. I continue to apprentice under my Uncle Chief Tony Hunt Sr. who was also taught by my great-grandfather Mungo Martin.”
-David Mungo Knox
