Lot 158
Barry Scow, (First Nations Canadian, Kwakwaka'wakw, b. 1964) "Pugwis Mask." A hand carved wood red cedar wood and horsehair mask of a sea spirit known as Pugwis, (Pookmis or Pookoobs) that represents a drowned whaler or Wild Man of the Sea, with a fish-like face: pursed lips, wrinkled and sunken eye sockets that symbolize whirlpools. A pair of horn like ears are attached separately to the sides, the lobes carved into grinning faces that may represent additional spirits. The interior is signed and titled "'Pugwis' Barry Scow Hilamas." Barry Scow is a member of the Kwikwasutinux First Nation from Alert Bay, British Columbia, his title "Hilmas" indicates he is a hereditary chief. He apprenticed with the late Joe Peters Jr for several years, and later with master carvers Beau Dick and Wayne Alfred. Size: 18" L x 10" W (45.7 cm x 25.4 cm); hair adds additional: 19" L (48.3 cm)
The Pugmis spirit is a mythical being in many tribes along the Northwest Coast, with slight variations in the stories and spellings. He is often associated with healing or resurrection, and known to the Haida as Gagiid, and to the Tlingit as Land Otter. To the Kwakwaka'wakw he is sometimes referred to as a Merman, or the keeper of drowned souls. It is said that when a whaler drowns at sea, Pugmis swallows their spirit and carries it back to their home village, then blows it back out during the memorial ceremony.
Provenance: private Thornton, Colorado, USA collection
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#181814
- Condition: A few tiny spots of discoloration / stains to the white wood, otherwise intact and excellent. Signed with pencil on interior.
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