Portrait Spirit Mask of Sisiutl by Max Chickite, Lekwiltok

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• Nation: Kwakwaka' wakw art, Kwakiutl art, native artists Vancouver Island
• Artist: Chickite, Max
• Type: Mask

Unusual piece - but very traditional and highest craftsmanship

Portrait Spirit Mask of the Sisiutl  

by the Lekwiltok First Nation Artist Max Chickite from Cape Mudge

The carving is very powerful and clean, rich expression, red cedar wood adorned with the traditional cedar bark.

Measurements: 8 1/2" x 7 1/2" x 3 1/2" (ca. 22 x 19 x 9 cm)

Meaning: The Sisiutl is a symbol for healing power and magic. It's closely associated with war and strength, the Sisiutl is known to be invulnerable and to provide protection from harm. The Sisiutl is one of the most powerful crests, and mythological creatures in the mythology of the Kwakwaka'wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth and various other Tribes and figures prominently in their art, dances and songs. Sisiutl is the god of warrior invincibility, a magic war-canoe that can go underground and guardian of the house of the sky people. Sisiutl are frequently depicted as a two headed sea serpent or snake with a human-like head in the middle of the body. All three heads are surmounted by "horns of power" The humanoid central head likely symbolizes Sisiutl’s supernatural shape-shifting powers Sisiutl could also change size from a few centimeters to a span sufficient to block off a bay. As a transformative creature of vast shamanic power, the Sisiutl could travel in and across all boundaries: land, water, & air. There is a belief among the Coast Salish that Sisiutl employ orca/killer whales for transportation. It is so powerful, that contact or even seeing one, was believed to cause sickness or death. According to legend, looking at the sisiutl can turn a person into stone. However, if one kills a Sisiutl, it has healing powers. Images or sculptures of Sisiutl were employed to guard canoes and cedar plank longhouses.Warriors traditionally wear the sisiutl's emblem for protection in battle. Thunderbirds are one of the few predators of Sisiutl

Photos of This Piece

About This Artist

Max Chickite, born 1958, is a member of the Lekwiltok (Part of Kwakwakaw 'wakw) First Nation, originating from Cape Mudge on Quadra Island, British Columbia. He is the great-grandson of Chief Johnny Chickite. He began drawing, painting, and...Artist bio and other available works »