Knox, David Mungo (Hereditary Chief)
Hereditary Chief David Mungo Knox is a member of the Kwakiulth First Nations. He is the great-grandson of Chief Mungo Martin and comes from a great line of Hereditary Chiefs, Master carvers and skilled dancers. He started his carving career by learning from his uncle Chief Tony Hunt Sr. in 1991 as well as his cousin Tom Hunt. His goal is to carry on the family tradition - preserving the Kwakiulth culture. David lives and works in village of Fort Rupert, BC. I had the pleasure of meeting David in person and am honoured to call him my friend. It's always such a pleasure to listen to his stories and to learn through him the true and history of his peoples.
"When I was a little boy, I use to wonder why I was dancing around a fire in the Big House. I was in my mid-teens when I really sat down and thought of who I was and where I came from. Just knowing all the stories my great grandmother use to tell me and teach me how to dance the Hamatsa in her kitchen, as well as learning all the preparation in a potlatch and in feast gives me great pride and more understanding of who I am and where I come from, which is a big responsibility and everyday, a learning process. When I go to harvest the big red cedar tree, I say a thanking to the mighty creator for giving me the tree and making me sure I will use the entire tree. The tree can be used to make shelter, cloth, tools, rope, canoes, masks, totem poles, crest poles, memorials poles, and welcome figures. It is important to know the proper elements for designing, knowing all of the shapes that are used and using them correctly and making them flow together. Designing a mask is not the same as doing it on paper."
— David Mungo Knox
