Jewel-toned glaze flows over four Pacific Northwest animals intricately designed by master carver and Tsimshian artist David Robert Boxley in the Northwest Coast Demi Mug Set. David has represented four animal relatives found near his Alaska home in the traditional Northwest coast formline style he’s famous for.
Northwest Coast Demi Mug Set includes:
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Mediig (Grizzly Bear, brown cup)—These powerful omnivores are instantly recognizable by their size and seemingly cuddly appearance. Though their diet is largely plant-based, Grizzlies are apex predators and should be respected for their power, strength, and fierce protection of their babies. Grizzly is a crest of the Gisbutwada, the Killer Whale Clan of the Ts’msyen.
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Ḵ'asḵ'oos (Crane, blue cup)—Graceful and lithe, Sandhill Cranes are one of Alaska’s largest birds. Standing at almost three feet tall with a wingspan over six feet, a crane in flight is truly an awesome sight to behold. Crane is a crest of the Laxgyibuu, the Wolf Clan of the Ts’msyen.
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Sts'ool (Beaver, red cup)—Known for their industrious nature, incredible dams, and charming front teeth, beavers have a huge and positive impact on their environment. Their dams, which act as snug lodges for a whole beaver family, also create ponds and watery meadows that are important habitat for other animals, including fish, amphibians, birds, deer, and even wolves. Beaver is a crest of the Laxsgyiik, the Eagle Clan of the Ts’msyen.
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G̱anaaw (Frog, green cup)—With their distinctive “Croak, croak, croak!” frogs are often heard before they're seen. Frogs are what’s known to scientists as an “indicator species,” as the health of their populations can indicate the health of their ecosystems. Frog is a crest of the G̱anhada, the Raven Clan of the Ts’msyen.
This set of four is perfect as-is, or could be split up as small individual gifts. Not a coffee lover? The smaller size means these cups are perfect as juice cups, bud vases, toothpick holders, jewelry dishes, and more! Comes packaged in a giftable black box featuring the Eighth Generation logo.
Washington-born, globally produced.
Product Details:
- 2"x2.5" / 3 oz.
- Dishwasher safe
- Do not microwave
About the Artist:
David Robert Boxley (Ts'msyen/Tsimshian) comes from the village of Metlakatla, Alaska, growing up there and in Kingston, Washington. He first began to learn how to carve at the age of 6 from his father, renowned Tsimshian artist and culture bearer, David A. Boxley. He has since studied under Master Haida carver, Robert Davidson, and, after moving away for a period of time, has returned to live in his village to help in the efforts to save his people's language. He is now the Co-chair of The Haayk Foundation, which works to preserve and revitalize Tsimshian language, history, and traditions.
