Wild Woman, Dzunukwa Mask by Kolten Khasalus Grant

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• Nation: Kwakwaka’wakw (Kwakiutl) First Nations
• Artist: Grant, Kolten Khasalus
• Type: Mask

Note: Price shown below are CAD

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Absolutely incredible piece of Indigenous Art - emerging from a gorgeous piece of red cedar 

This mask has a serious presence!!! So powerful, intense and realistic

Dzunukwa, Wild Woman Mask, by Kolten Khasalus Grant, a member of the Kwakwakaw' wakw First Nations (please read bio provided below)

Did you see the grain in the wood - how incredible is that? This piece of wood was clearly chosen by an artist who loves his art and pays attention to details!

This piece is an exceptionally beautiful example of highest quality craftsmanship. The expression is haunting and riveting – very difficult to accomplish, only a very talented artist is able to do this. The wild woman is - well - scary.... as it's supposed to be. Kolten clearly demonstrates his love and passion for the art – the soft finish, a stain technique to keep the grain visible. Lots of black horse hair .... have a look

Measurements: 18" x 14" x 10", not including the horse hair

Meaning: Dzunukwa (Wild Woman) is a figure in Kwakwaka'wakw mythology. She is an ancestor of the Namgis clan through her son, Tsilwalagame. She is venerated as a bringer of wealth, but is also greatly feared by children, because she is also known as an ogress who steals children and carries them home in her basket to eat them. Her appearance is that of a naked, black in color, old monster with long pendulous breasts. She is also described as having long, bedraggled hair. In masks and totem pole images she is shown with bright red pursed lips because she is said to give off the call "Hu!" It is often told to children that the sound of the wind blowing through the cedar trees is actually the call of Dzunuḵ̓wa.

Legend: Some myths say that she is able to bring herself back from the dead (an ability which she uses in some myths to revive her children) and regenerate any wound. She has limited eyesight, and can be easily avoided because she can barely see. She is also said to be rather drowsy and dim-witted. She possesses great wealth and will bestow it upon those who are able to get control of her child.

Photos of This Piece

About This Artist

Kolten Khasalus Grant was born in 1992 and raised on the Capilano reserve in North Vancouver (Xwemélch'stn) with relations to the Baker family. Khasalus or Kasa'las means "Walking tall” in Kwakwakawakw, Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw,...Artist bio and other available works »