Tsonokwa mask
by Tony Hunt, Jr. at the Audain Art Museum, Whistler, BC.
Tsonokwa Mask or Wild Woman of the Woods Mask is carved in red cedar and signed by Native Master Carver Chief Tony Hunt from the Kwakwaka'wakw Nation
Tsonokwa is venerated as a bringer of wealth, but is also greatly feared by children, because she is also known as an ogress who steals children and carries them home in her basket to eat.
Her appearance is that of a black coloured, old monster with long pendulous breasts. She is also described as having bedraggled hair.
In masks and totem pole images she is shown with bright red pursed lips because she is said to give off the call "Hu!" It is often told to children that the sound of the wind blowing through the cedar trees is actually the call of Tsonokwa.
Some myths say that she is able to bring herself back from the dead (an ability which she uses in some myths to revive her children) and regenerate any wound. She has limited eyesight, and can be easily avoided because she can barely see.
She is also said to be rather drowsy and dim-witted. She possesses great wealth and will bestow it upon those who are able to get control of her child.
Tsonokwa mask
by Tony Hunt, Jr. at the Audain Art Museum, Whistler, BC.
Tsonokwa Mask or Wild Woman of the Woods Mask is carved in red cedar and signed by Native Master Carver Chief Tony Hunt from the Kwakwaka'wakw Nation
Tsonokwa is venerated as a bringer of wealth, but is also greatly feared by children, because she is also known as an ogress who steals children and carries them home in her basket to eat.
Her appearance is that of a black coloured, old monster with long pendulous breasts. She is also described as having bedraggled hair.
In masks and totem pole images she is shown with bright red pursed lips because she is said to give off the call "Hu!" It is often told to children that the sound of the wind blowing through the cedar trees is actually the call of Tsonokwa.
Some myths say that she is able to bring herself back from the dead (an ability which she uses in some myths to revive her children) and regenerate any wound. She has limited eyesight, and can be easily avoided because she can barely see.
She is also said to be rather drowsy and dim-witted. She possesses great wealth and will bestow it upon those who are able to get control of her child.