A diverse and multifaceted cultural and educational enterprise, the National Museum of the American Indian cares for one of the world's most expansive collections of Native artifacts, including objects, photographs, archives, and media covering the entire Western Hemisphere, from the Arctic Circle to Tierra del Fuego. Working in collaboration with Smithsonian, Retro 51 commissioned Native American artists to create unique artwork representing their heritage on two new Smithsonian Collection Tornados.
James Peter Johnson is an award-winning Tlingit artist and carver, born and raised in Juneau, Alaska. He belongs to the Tlingit Ch’áak’ Dakl’aweidi Clan (Eagle Killerwhale). His 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, after whom he is named. His strong ancestral history led him to purse the Tlingit art form. His late father, Franklin Johnson, first encouraged him to begin carving. Johnson has dedicated his life to continuing the Tlingit art form, honoring his ancestors through his work.
Mr. Johnson's design portrays the traditional Tlingit origin story of a Raven bringing light into the world. Each Tornado has this Tlingit artwork silk screened on the stainless barrel, varnished in a matte clear coating and finished with antique silver accents. The Smithsonian top ring is engraved with its individual number and then complete with the sun logo on the finial. Each rollerball is packaged in a commemorative tube with the Raven's origin story on the label. Pick up this rollerball and carry history in your hands.
- Silk-screened art on Stainless barrel
- Created by Tlingit artist James Peter Johnson
- Smithsonian top ring + Sun logo on the top disc
- Numbered on the top ring
- Antique Silver Accents
- Comes with rollerball refill
- Smithsonian OLP Retro51 Packaging Tube