The elaborate carved and painted cedar wood mask by Bill Henderson of the Kwakwaka'wakw Weiwaikum tribe of the Pacific Northwest Coast serves as an allegory for the tribal legend of Pugwis and Loon. The Kwakwaka'wakw are known by non-Natives as the Kwakiutl.


Pugwis (an undersea spirit in human form with fish like face, round eyes and large beaver-like teeth) serves as liaison between the human world and Komokwa, Chief of the Sea. When humans want the sea monsters to dance at their potlatches, Pugwis comes to the surface to negotiate the terms of the dance. Because Pugwis is unable to surface by himself, he enlists the help of either loon or kingfisher. In this mask, Pugwis is being aided by Loon (thus the inscription Pugwis and Kingfisher back inside).

The Henderson family holds the rights to carve masks of the sea monster kingdom and Bill Henderson, one of Chief Sam Henderson and wife May Quocksister Henderson's nine sons (born March 21, 1950 in Campbell River, BC,) has become internationally famous for his sea monster masks.

Measures 21.5 x 20 x 14 inches.

Provenance: The 40 year collection of Father Tom Wiederholt, Kansas City, Missouri. Tom was a close personal friend of scholar and curator Ralph 'Ted' Coe who advised Tom on most of his acquisitions.

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Very good condition throughout, no damage, repair or wear.