Gorgeous Bakwus, Wild Man Mask by Bert Smith

SOLD

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

 

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

Bakwus - Wild Man Mask

by artist Bert Smith from the Kwakwakaw 'wakw First Nation. - Highest quality craftsmanship!

Have a close look at the pictures - the quality of this piece will amaze you! Starting from the meticulous painting to the detailed and balanced and deep carving - AND have a look at the ears - they are NOT glued on - they are carved out of one solid piece of beautiful red cedar!! The colors are traditional and very vibrant in combination with the white - so powerful. His choice of using white horse hair just adds to the expression. Wonderful!

Bert just so clearly loves this art and puts so many hours and attention to details into it. Even the back of the mask is so clean and nicely sanded. The artist signed and dated the mask on the back. 

Measurements: 10 1/2" x 11 1/2" x 4" (27 x 29 x 10 cm)

Meaning: The Bakwus is a supernatural ghost like figure, also known as the Wild Man of the Woods. It is a skeletal, long-haired wild man of Kwakiutl legend. He lives in an invisible house in the forest and attracts the spirits of those who have died to his home. Bukwus also tries to persuade humans to eat ghost food so that they will become like him. The Bukwus was a significant character for the Kwakiutl people. 

Photos of This Piece

About This Artist

Bert Smith is a member of the Tlowitsis tribe of the Kwakwaka’wakw nation, Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada.  He began carving in 1994, and now works out of the Hamatsa carving studio. Throughout his career, his teachers have...Artist bio and other available works »