Tlingit Mask Carving: Human Form Hawk
10 Days, Open To All
Summer 2026
July 27 - August 7
Class size: 12
Cost: $2,040
Materials: $200
This class will teach the fundamentals of carving a Tlingit-style mask, start to finish. Beginning with a block of wood, students will shape the planes of the face using an adze. Carving of the eye socket, eye details, shaping of the nose, and mouth will be accomplished with your crooked knife. Students will leave the class with a mask of their own.
This two-week-long class will emphasize the basics of learning to carve in Tlingit style with respect to the traditional art form. Students will learn layout and design techniques, safe carving methods with adzes and knives, and some finishing techniques. Tool maintenance and sharpening will be addressed as well. Students will leave class with a solid understanding of this traditional art form and the ability to continue practicing these techniques and styles at home.
James Johnson was born and raised in Juneau, AK. He belongs to the Tlingit Ch’áak’ Dakl’aweidi Clan (Eagle Killerwhale). James's great-great-grandfather was Chief Gusht’eiheen (“Spray off the Dorsal Fin”) of the Dakl’aweidi of the Xutsnoowú Kwáan (Angoon, Alaska). His great-grandfather was Chief Jimmy Johnson, and his grandfather was Chief Peter Johnson, whom he is named after: James Peter Johnson. James’s strong ancestral history led him to pursue the Tlingit art form. His late father, Franklin Johnson, first encouraged him to begin carving. James has now dedicated his life to perpetuating the Tlingit art form, honoring his ancestors through his work.
Tools
Required
PTSW will provide all the tools necessary for this course. However, we strongly encourage you to bring your own carving tools. There are a few blacksmiths now making and selling Northwest Coast Salish-style carving tools. Most are made to order, so make sure to place your order as early as possible so that you have your tools by the start of class. Some of the tools can also be made with simple techniques, especially if you have any experience working with metal. Here is a tutorial on how to make a bent knife.
Recommend
Additional tools that could be useful:
Crooked knives of various shapes and sizes (H1, H2, H3, 7, 10)
Any other carving tools you already have and like to use
Prerequisites
This course will be fast-paced and physically demanding. It is recommended that you have some basic carving experience, such as another one of our Indigenous carving classes, but mostly, it is important to have reasonable hand strength and physical stamina. This course includes 80 hours of classroom time, much of which will be spent standing, adzing, and carving by hand. For the more experienced folks, it will provide an opportunity to deepen your knowledge and experience with carving tools. If you have questions about whether or not this course is a good fit for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to info@ptwoodschool.org.
Class Information and Registration
Classes run 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday in Building 315 at Fort Worden. Map. Read our What to Expect page for general information about the school and our course Registration Policy. We highly encourage you to sign up for the waitlist if the course is full.
