Bukwus Mask
Corey Larocque (Haida)

Known from the stories of the Kwakwaka’wakw people, Bookwus (Wild Man of the Woods) is a supernat...

Known from the stories of the Kwakwaka’wakw people, Bookwus (Wild Man of the Woods) is a supernatural being who lurks on the edges of forests and near streams trying to lure living people and the souls of those who have drowned into his invisible abode. Also known as the Keeper of Drowned Souls, Bookwus forces his victims to eat his ghost food, which causes them to become like him, condemned to eternal hunger and wandering. When danced, Bookwus emits a low wheezing sound which is made by the ...

Bella Coola Nulamala Fool Mask
Gene Brabant (Cree)

From the U'mista Cultural Sociaty website (click here to see): The Nułamała "Fool Dancer" are me...

From the U'mista Cultural Sociaty website (click here to see): The Nułamała "Fool Dancer" are messengers and assistants to the Hamat̕sa and help enforce the laws of the Winter Ceremonies. Membership in the Nułamała Society is hereditary. The Nułamała along with the Grizzly Bear dancers cut and distribute food to make sure that the Hamat̕sa are fed properly. Both societies are the "policemen of the T̕seka Winter Ceremonies". The Nułamała will attack people by throwing stones, hitting with sti...

The Return (Second Coming)
Terry Jackson (Metis)

The Sun breaking through the clouds shows the light coming from the darkness. The artist sees the...

The Sun breaking through the clouds shows the light coming from the darkness. The artist sees the imagery of this mask as a time where things are improving for the better.

Haida Portrait Mask
Roger Smith (Haida)

Female Portrait Mask
Chief Walter Harris (Gitxsan)

Articulated Portrait Mask
Joe Wilson (Kwakwaka'wakw)

Salmon Bentwood Box
James Michels (Metis)

Salmon are fundamental to all coastal peoples and are a symbol of regeneration and life. Many myt...

Salmon are fundamental to all coastal peoples and are a symbol of regeneration and life. Many myths tell of people taken to the undersea world of the Salmon who return with secret knowledge and powers. According to Salish legends, the salmon were people with superhuman abilities and eternal lives. They lived in great houses under the ocean but since they knew that humans on land needed food, they offered themselves to the land-based tribes as food by turning into salmon fish. Their spirits we...

Frog Bentwood Box
James Michels (Metis)

Frogs are both social, vocal and are associated with the power of transformation and the ability ...

Frogs are both social, vocal and are associated with the power of transformation and the ability to traverse worlds. As the primary spirit helpers of shamans, frogs are communicators and often represent the voice of the people. Frogs were often carved at the top of totem poles to symbolize the communication of warnings or impending danger. Frog is generally given large eyes, prominent lips with a projecting tongue and webbed feet.

Eagle Box
Trevor Angus (Gitxsan)

Eagle is one of the most important beings in the art and mythology of the Northwest Coast. It is ...

Eagle is one of the most important beings in the art and mythology of the Northwest Coast. It is respected for its intel­ligence and power, as well as its extraordinary vision, in both the literal and figurative senses. Eagles in myth are, likewise, usu­ally noble characters. Eagle is revered as a powerful hunter. Groups of mythical Eagles may gather for co-operative whale hunting expeditions, since, unlike the giant Thunderbird, Eagle is not strong enough to hunt whales alone. Eagle may ofte...

Hawk Bowl
Lorrie Pambrun (Cree)

Hawk is often associated with the Sun, and is revered for its superior vision and skill in huntin...

Hawk is often associated with the Sun, and is revered for its superior vision and skill in hunting. In mythology, this bird is personified as the transformation beings Hawk Man and Hawk Woman.

Seal Bowl
Joe Peters Jr. (Kwakwaka'wakw)

Feast Dish
John Copage

Wolf Paddle
Ross Henderson (Kwakwaka'wakw)

Paddle stand available for $300 CAD. Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for fabrication. Contact the galle...

Paddle stand available for $300 CAD. Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for fabrication. Contact the gallery directly to order a stand.The Wolf is respected for its strength, agility, intelligence, and capacity for devotion. Wolf is sometimes an agent of transformation and is a popular figure in crest, story, and shamanic art. Wolf is usually portrayed with a long snout, bushy tail, and prominent paws.

Raven Paddle
Ross Henderson (Kwakwaka'wakw)

Paddle stand available for $300 CAD. Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for fabrication. Contact the galle...

Paddle stand available for $300 CAD. Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for fabrication. Contact the gallery directly to order a stand.Raven is central to coastal mythology. As a culture hero, a transformer, and a trickster, his adventures at the beginning of time released the sun and the moon and brought the world into existence. Raven is identified by its straight beak and lack of ears or plumage on the head.

Salmon Paddle
Ross Henderson (Kwakwaka'wakw)

Paddle stand available for $300 CAD. Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for fabrication. Contact the galle...

Paddle stand available for $300 CAD. Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for fabrication. Contact the gallery directly to order a stand.Salmon is fundamental to all coastal peoples, and is a symbol of regeneration, health and life. Many myths tell of people taken to the undersea world of the Salmon and return with secret knowledge and powers. Salmon has always been viewed as the life force for Indigenous communities. Salmon is often represented by scales, small fins and striated tail fin.