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  • Home
  • Kwakwaka'wakw Art

Kwakwaka'wakw Art

The Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw, formerly known as the Kwakiutl, peoples are the original inhabitants of northern Vancouver Island, the adjacent coastal mainland, and the smaller islands in between. 

Artists of the Kwakwaka’wakw nation are among the most innovative on the Northwest Coast. Beginning by implementing the principles and framework of form line design traditional to North Coast styles, such as Haida, the Kwakwaka’wakw have taken a less confining, more individualistic approach towards form, colour, and expression. Their designs are considered theatrical and dramatic, deeply carved with many bold colours. In this way, the Kwakwaka’wakw art form is among the most distinctive art forms of the Northwest Coast.

World-renowned Haida artist Bill Reid has been quoted saying “The Kwakiutl were explosive. If there was a colour, they used it.” This is in contrast to the Haida art form, which traditionally uses a minimal colour palette.

The highlighted area is an approximation of the territory of the Kwakwaka'wakw Nation, but does not represent a definitive boundary or border.

Hand-carved Masks

Masks play a vital role in Kwakwaka’wakw art and culture, used ceremonially in dances and potlatching in order to portray the character conveyed by the dancer. There are a wide array of masks depicting animals, mythological beings, humans, and transformation figures. Such unique characters include the Bukwus (Wild Man of the Woods), Tsonokwa (Wild Woman of the Woods), Komokwa (Chief of the Undersea World), the Sun, the Moon, Hamatsa Birds (earthly representatives of a cannibal spirit), and complex dual beings (Transformation figured, often from a human to an animal, and back). Masks carved today may be used for potlatching, or specifically to be displayed as works of art.

Resurgence of Kwakwaka'wakw Art

In 1885, potlatching was made illegal by the Canadian Government. During this era there were some first nations peoples determined to preserve their cultural traditions and would create ceremonial objects and participate in potlatches in secret. When the potlatch ban ended in the 1950's there was a resurgence of Kwagiulth art largely attributed to distinguished Kwakwaka’wakw artists like Mungo Martin, Dan Cranmer, and Willie Seaweed. They carried the traditions of Kwakwaka’wakw culture and knowledge forward, inspiring a new generation of northwest coast artists. The result is an unbroken cultural legacy of carving, despite outside oppression, that flourishes today.

References

“Kwakwaka’wakw Art: A Northwest Coast Tradition.” Cedar Hill Long House, 2019, https://cedarhilllonghouse.ca/blogs/kwakwakawakw-art-a-northwest-coast-tradition/

Heagle, M. “Kwakwaka’wakw / Kwakiutl / Kwagiulth.” Stonington Gallery, https://stoningtongallery.com/tribe/kwakwakawakw-kwakiutl-kwagiulth/

Gilbert, Jim and Karin Clark, Learning By Design: Pacific Northwest Coast Native Indian Art, Vol. 1, Raven Publishing Inc., 2003.

Contributions

If you would like to send us comments or feedback about the information on this Kwakwaka’wakw Art page or add any further information or stories, please send us an email to info@spiritsofthewestcoast.com.

Silver 3/4 inch Eagle Bracelet

Ivan Thomas

Silver 3/4 inch Eagle Bracelet

$507.00
Silver Eagle 1 1/4 inch Bracelet

Mike Sedgemore

Silver Eagle 1 1/4 inch Bracelet

$667.00
Silver Chilkat Style Bracelet

Mike Sedgemore

Silver Chilkat Style Bracelet

$667.00
Silver Chilkat Bracelet

Mike Sedgemore

Silver Chilkat Bracelet

$667.00
Silver Eagle 1/2 inch Bracelet

Mike Sedgemore

Silver Eagle 1/2 inch Bracelet

$306.00
Silver Raven and Eagle 1 1/2 inch Bracelet

Mike Sedgemore

Silver Raven and Eagle 1 1/2 inch Bracelet

$747.00
Silver Wolf 1/2 inch Bracelet

Mike Sedgemore

Silver Wolf 1/2 inch Bracelet

$306.00
Silver Thunderbird 2 inch Bracelet

Mike Sedgemore

Silver Thunderbird 2 inch Bracelet

$820.00
Silver Sisiutl 1 1/2 inch Bracelet

Mike Sedgemore

Silver Sisiutl 1 1/2 inch Bracelet

$667.00
Portrait Mask

Raymond Shaw

Portrait Mask

$4,699.00
Raven Headdress

Trevor Hunt

Raven Headdress

$6,346.00
Owl Mask

Ernest Puglas

Owl Mask

$2,972.00
Silver 1 inch Orca Bracelet with Topaz

Chris Cook

Silver 1 inch Orca Bracelet with Topaz

$587.00
Silver 1 inch Eagle Bracelet with Turquoise

Chris Cook

Silver 1 inch Eagle Bracelet with Turquoise

$587.00
Small Beaver Mask

Shawn Karpes

Small Beaver Mask

$619.00
Eagle Spirit Paddle

Rod Smith

Eagle Spirit Paddle

$2,290.00
Sea Wolf Headdress

Ernest Puglas

Sea Wolf Headdress

$3,776.00
Chief's Raven Rattle

Greg Henderson

Chief's Raven Rattle

$4,579.00
Silver Orca Shaped Pendant

Joe Wilson

Silver Orca Shaped Pendant

$306.00
Gold Orca Shaped Pendant

Joe Wilson

Gold Orca Shaped Pendant

$1,438.00
Carved Bear Panel

Trevor Hunt

Carved Bear Panel

$4,177.00
Eagle Paddle

Bill Henderson

Eagle Paddle

$2,892.00
Copper Wolf Bentwood Box

Sandy Johnson

Copper Wolf Bentwood Box

$1,687.00
Contrasts Bentwood Box

Rod Smith

Contrasts Bentwood Box

$3,936.00

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