Dzunukwa (Wild Woman) Mask, c. 1950
Kwakwaka'wakw Culture
British Columbia, Canada
red cedar, cedar bark, pigment
14” high x 11.25” wide x 5” deep
Dzunukwa (or Tsonokwa) is a prominent, feared, and complex figure in Kwakwaka'wakw mythology. A great giantess known as the Wild Woman of the Woods, she is described as being hairy like a bear, with large red ears and lips, and pendulous-breasts. Dzunukwa steals disobedient children, carrying them in a basket to eat, while crying "Hu! Hu!". Unfortunately for Dzunukwa, she is dim-witted, sleepy, and often outwitted by the children she steals or the parents looking for them.
Despite her menacing role, she is not entirely evil. She possesses magical wealth (including coppers) that she can bestow upon humans if she is outwitted or if her own child is stolen and held for ransom, making Dzunukwa a source of great fortune. If Dzunukwa comes to dance at ceremony or potlatch, it is considered a great honor and signals the end of a potlatch.
Historic Kwakwaka'wakw masks began entering the tourist trade in the late 19th and early 20th century due to
a growing interest amongst museum curators and art collectors who valued the preservation of this important art form. These carvings served as an important cultural bridge, allowing First Nation artists to create an income while maintaining traditions.
