Bukwus Mask (Wild Man of the Woods)
Dateca. 1970-71
Maker
Sam Johnson
Kwakwaka'wakw, Musgama Dzawada'enuxw Nation, born ca. 1930
Label TextThe presence of Bukwus in the Animal Kingdom Dance may be a reference to the lost brother that the girl was seeking. Bukwus are feared ghost-like creatures believed to represent humans who have become separated from their community and wander the woods. In the story, the brother loses his human identity and becomes a Bukwus.
- Barbara Brotherton, Curator of Native American Art, 2016
Object numberSC2006.2
ProvenanceThis group of ten masks was created to be used during the opening dances at the Sea Monster House at the Pacific Science Center, Seattle in ca. 1970-71. Each represents a different animal, some supernatural, many with recognizable features including Codfish, Bukwus, Porcupine, Kingfisher, Owl, Grizzly Bear, Deer, Mouse Woman, Raccoon, and Wolf.
Credit LineGift of the Pacific Science Center
Dimensions12 x 9 1/4 in. (30.48 x 23.5 cm)
MediumRed cedar, paint, cloth
Mungo Martin (Nakapankam)
ca. 1940
Object number: 91.1.7
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