3 1/2 ft. Komokwa Mask by David Mungo Knox

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• Nation: Kwakwaka' wakw art, Kwakiutl art, native artists Vancouver Island
• Artist: Knox, David Mungo (Hereditary Chief)
• Type: Mask

...and ....shipping is FREE to US/Canada

Incredible piece of Art by master artist David Mungo Knox from the Kwakwakaw'wakw First Nation

KOMOKWA Mask - KING of the UNDERSEA WORLD

What a spectacular piece, now available in our native art gallery: superb craftsmanship - solid cedar. Have a look at the details in this mask. The Starfish on top is lined with copper ropes, the face of the Komokwa is adorned with the traditional cedar bark, the eyes are inlaid with copper, the face itself is adorned with copper rope (and we know that copper plays a very important role in the First Nations culture). The painting is so powerful and gives it such a dominant and strong expression. It's just mesmerizing and HUGE, the hands are attached through lining, no screws or nails needed for them. Genius! Fantastic piece of North American Indigenous art! Hands and Seastar will be taken off for safe shipping, need to be re-assembled at arrival (very easy!)

Here are the measurements: Total ca. 41" wide (incl. starfish), 34" high, 23" deep (104 x 87 x 58 cm), the Komokwa's face alone is 17" x 14" (43 x 36 cm)

The Legend: The Komokwa  was the king of the undersea world, master and protector of the seals who were a symbol of wealth. His name means "wealthy one" and he ruled from a great rich house under the water. The house contained great wealth in blankets, coppers and other treasures. Many humans of legendary history attempted to reach this kingdom. Those who achieved their goal became wealthy and powerful, returning to their home village with magical boxes full of treasure. The Komokwa is the master of the seals. The posts and beams of his house are living sea lions. Sometimes he appears on the surface of the sea, but his head is so big that it looks like an island. He is responsible for the rising and ebbing of the tides, as well as the riches these tides deposit on beaches, and those claimed by the vagaries of sea weather, both material and human lives. Komokwa has the power to see into the future, heal the sick and injured, and bestow powers on those whom he favours.

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Photos of This Piece

About This Artist

Hereditary Chief David Mungo Knox is a member of the Kwakiulth First Nations. He is the great-grandson of Chief Mungo Martin and comes from a great line of Hereditary Chiefs, Master carvers and skilled dancers. He started his carving career by...Artist bio and other available works »