David R. Boxley facts for kids
David Robert Boxley (born July 27, 1981), also known as D. Robert Boxley, is a talented artist from the Tsimshian community in Metlakatla, Alaska. He is famous for carving amazing totem poles. His father, David A. Boxley, is also a well-known carver and taught him a lot. David Robert's mother, Elizabeth, is not Native, but she was welcomed into the Tsimshian Laxsgiik (Eagle clan).
Understanding Tsimshian Clans
The Tsimshian people, like many other Native American tribes on the Northwest Coast, follow a special tradition called matrilineal descent. This means that a child belongs to their mother's clan. Clans are like big family groups.
David Robert Boxley's first Tsimshian name was Lapaaygm xsgyiik. This name means "He Who Flies Like the Eagle" in the Tsimshian language. It honored his mother's Eagle clan.
In 1999, something important happened. David Robert and his brother, Zach, were adopted into a different clan, the Laxgyibuu (Wolf Clan). This adoption was done by Doreen Nathan, who is their father's aunt. This change was made because Tsimshian tradition says a child should belong to a different clan than their father.
After this adoption, David Robert was given a new name: Gyibaawm laxha. This name means "Wolf of the Sky." It honored his new Wolf Clan but also remembered his connection to the Eagle Clan.
Carving Totem Poles
David Robert Boxley has been carving totem poles for many years. Since 2000, he has created more than twenty-five totem poles. He has worked on many of these with his father. In 2005, he carved his very first totem pole all by himself.
External links
- David R. Boxley's Web site
