Lot 47
Alfred Robertson (First Nations Canadian, Kwakwaka'wakw, b. 1950) "Wild Woman Mask," ca. late 20th to 21st century CE. A hand carved cedarwood mask with horsehair tassels portraying the mythical being Dzunukwa (Wild Woman) with full pursed lips held open as though singing or chanting, a prominent nose with wide nostrils, and slitted eyes. The verso is signed by the artist "Alfred Robertson / Kingcome Inlet / Wild Woman." Size: 9" L x 7" W (22.9 cm x 17.8 cm)
Dzunukwa is a mythical female being said to cause nightmares and carry children away to her home in the forest to eat them. Like beasts such as Bigfoot or the Sasquatch, she is believed to be an anthropomorphic giant with a huge body and head, boney, black face, bushy unkempt hair, and pursed lips. Her prominent red lips, as seen in this example, are emphasized to indicate her blood thirstiness and her cry Hu! Hu! During the winter ceremonies, masked dancers represent several spiritual beings, including Dzunukwa, who is portrayed as shaggy, lumbering, sleepy, and vain. She always carries a basket to collect children and must be assisted by a rope that leads from the door to her seat when she enters the longhouse for the winter ceremony, due to her clumsiness. Though frightening, it is important to note that she is capable of providing wealth and power. If a chief wants his audience to respect and fear him, as they fear Dzunukwa, he wears her mask while speaking to the people. It is believed that those who are able to outsmart Dzunukwa and reach her house, will leave with treasures like dried meats, animal skins, dance privileges and the "water of life," which is capable of reviving the dead.
Provenance: private Litchfield, Ohio, USA collection
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#186440
- Condition: A few minor scuffs to wood, but otherwise intact and excellent. Signed on the verso by artist.
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