Matthew Tiulana

Matthew Tiulana is an Inupiaq ivory carver born September 2, 1952, in Nome, Alaska. He comes from a talented family of King Island, Alaska, artists. Paul Tiulana, his father, taught Matthew and his brothers to carve. Paul, had a deep dedication to preserving the family heritage, Inupiaq culture and encouraged the young brothers to put their artistic abilities to work.

In the early 1960’s due to economic and social pressures, King Islanders began to move to Nome, Alaska and other surrounding communities. By the 1970s no residents were left on King Island. The Tiulana family relocated to Nome and, although they left their ancestral home, family and tradition remained very important to them. King Islanders still maintain a very distinct cultural identity and are known for their exquisite ivory carvings. Most manage to live a very similar life as they had on the island. All of the materials, including the walrus ivory and fossilized ivory, Matthew uses in his art are gathered as part of the continuation of a subsistence lifestyle.

Matthew spends much of his time carving specific pieces representing the Inupiaq way of life. The pride and appreciation for his heritage comes out in his work as he draws inspiration from the deep spiritual roots and traditions of the King Islanders recognizing that man, animal and earth are all connected. Matthew uses representations of various elemental spirits like wind as well as animal spirits such as seal and walrus. His small spirit masks are made from walrus ivory, baleen, and whalebone. Each mask has special and unique characteristics. Patience and dedication is essential to creating these wonderful pieces.

Matthew lives in Nome, Alaska and continues to carve with other King Islanders at the King Island Carving Center in Nome.