Native American, Pacific Northwest Coast, Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwakiutl) people, ca. mid to late 20th century CE. A sterling silver ring with a broad band depicting the face of Dzunukwa (Dzonokwa), the Wild Woman. The stylized visage is cast in low relief with pursed lips, broad nose, and recessed eye sockets with incised lines as eyes and an arched brow line. Her characteristic circular mouth portrays the sound and call she makes which is like the wind blowing through tree branches. The rest of the shank and interior is flat and rounded. Despite the wide face, this is a perfect ring for everyday wear and is very comfortable! Size interior opening: 0.77" Diameter (2 cm) size of face: 0.85" W (2.2 cm); US ring size: 10; silver quality: 94.5%; weight: 14 grams

Dzunukwa is a mythical female being said to cause nightmares and carry children away to her home in the forest to eat them. Like beasts such as Bigfoot or the Sasquatch, she is believed to be an anthropomorphic giant with a huge body and head, boney, black face, bushy unkempt hair, and pursed lips. Her prominent red lips, as seen in this example, are emphasized to indicate her blood thirstiness and her cry “Hu! Hu!” During the winter ceremonies, masked dancers represent a number of spiritual beings, including Dzunukwa, who is portrayed as shaggy, lumbering, sleepy, and vain. She always carries a basket to collect children and must be assisted by a rope that leads from the door to her seat when she enters the longhouse for the winter ceremony, due to her clumsiness. Though frightening, it is important to note that she is capable of providing wealth and power. If a chief wants his audience to respect and fear him, as they fear Dzunukwa, he wears her mask while speaking to the people. It is believed that those who are able to outsmart Dzunukwa and reach her house, will leave with treasures like dried meats, animal skins, dance privileges and the "water of life," which is capable of reviving the dead.

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA Collection

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#166454

Great details and areas of dark toning and cleanable patina. Signs of use and wear, with minor surface scratches and nicks. The band is very comfortable, and this is very wearable!