Who is the Wild Man of the Woods?
Above: Wild Man of the Woods Mask by Stan Hunt
The Wild Man of the Woods, or Bukwas, is an eerie supernatural creature from the Kwakwaka’wakw nation. This mysterious and elusive figure can be found lurking at the edge of a stream or in the shadows of a forest, offering food to lost humans and luring them to become spirits in his shadowy underworld. The souls caught by the Bukwas are eternally condemned to misery, hunger, wandering and evilness.
Wild Man of the Woods Mask by Sean Whonnock
He can also be viewed as a guardian, protecting the deep woods from intrusion and harm.
Bakwus Mask by Raymond Shaw
Find more depictions of Bukwas here.