Honoring Feast - Kuyuuni, 2011 by David A. Boxley, Alaskan Tsimshian

Honoring Feast - Kuyuuni, 2011
by David A. Boxley, Alaskan Tsimshian
limited edition silkscreen print
17.5” high x 15” wide paper size
19.75” high x 22.5” wide with mating

This print depicts the unity between the Tsimshian and Tlingit Nations. Eagle is the artists clan from Metlakatla, Alaska, and in the belly of Eagle is a Chilkat blanket reference honoring the Tlingit people.

David Albert Boxley (b. 1952) is a Tsimshian carver from Metlakatla, Alaska. Boxley has received three important Sm’algyax names in his lifetime. Names are either passed through family lines, or to mark important life passages or accomplishments. It is the responsibility of each person to live a good life and to make the name honorable and strong, so that when it is time to pass the name on, the name is good. David takes pride for each of his names and works everyday to make his names good.

Nuketsismaask, Means "Works with the Cedar Bark", given to him in 1987 by his Grandfather

Ksgooga Yaawk, Means "First to Potlatch", given to him in 1982 by Alfred Eaton

Niis Bupts'aan, Means "Grandfather of Totem Poles, Given to him in 2019 by Laxskiig (The Eagle Clan) 

Boxley’s inspiration comes from his ancestors of the Tsimshian Tribe from Northern British Columbia and Southeast Alaska. He has dedicated over 40 years of his life to the revitalization and rebirth of Tsimshian arts and culture. He not only wants to be the best artist he can be, but he wants to inspire and influence the continuation of this beautiful art form and cultural practices.

Boxley has been deeply involved in the rebirth of Tsimshian culture through organizing and hosting Potlatches in Alaska and Washington. He has been responsible for the first Seattle Northwest Coast Potlatch in one hundred years. This historic event was held in 1996. It was such a success that another was held in 1997. He was also responsible for reintroducing the potlatch back to his home village of Metlakatla, Alaska. These Potlatches involved traditional cultural activities such as clan adoption, name giving, gift giving, ceremonial regalia dedication, and memorials as well as song and dance.

Boxley has been directly involved in the formation of four successful dance groups: one in his home village of Metlakatla, Alaska, and others in Seattle, Washington. He led the Tsimshian Haayuuk for 6 years, and now has a new group called the Git-Hoan (people of the Salmon). He has written over 40 songs in his Native language, and carved many masks, rattles, paddles and other performance items.

"Artists from long ago inspire new generations to carry on the traditions of which they began. I am determined and dedicated to revitalize and carry on the rich culture of my tribe: I want my sons and other young native people to be proud of their heritage.”

Boxley’s work can be found in important private and public collections including The Portland Art Museum, The Seattle Art Museum, Museum of Civilization, Ottowa, Peabody Essex Museum at Harvard, The Museum of Natural History, New York, and the Smithsonian Institute’s Museum of the American Indian, Washington DC.