Tlingit master carver Naal xak'w, Tommy Joseph, has been actively engaged in Northwest Coast carving for over twenty years as an instructor, interpreter, commissioned artist, and wood conservator. His work includes a wide range of artwork including totem poles, house posts, bentwood boxes, masks, design, war helmets and armor, and at.óow. He is in charge of the carving shop at the Southeast Alaskan Indian Cultural Center at Sitka National Historical Park where he restores park totem poles, works on his own carving projects, teaches carving classes, and mentors beginner carvers. He has taught carving classes at the Totem Heritage Center over the years, including masks, war helmets, ladles, and halibut hooks. He most recently taught a Mixed Level Carving - Frontlets class in 2023, guiding students through the steps from design, to basic form, and finishing details.

A frontlet was traditionally worn by high-ranking individuals for ceremonial occasions. The frontlet features the owner's house or clan crest carved in high relief, and is traditionally part of an elaborate headdress. This frontlet is made of mahogany and carved in the shape of a butterfly with abalone inlay. It was created when Naal xak'w, Tommy Joseph, taught the Mixed Level Carving - Frontlets class in 2023.