Bukwus Mask (Wild Man of the Woods)
ca. 1970-71
Sam Johnson
Kwakwaka'wakw, Musgama Dzawada'enuxw Nation, born ca. 1930
The 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
Red cedar, paint, cloth
12 x 9 1/4 in. (30.48 x 23.5 cm)
Gift of the Pacific Science Center
SC2006.2
Provenance: This 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.
