Item Records

This page shows all the information we have about this item. Both the institution that physically holds this item, and RRN members have contributed the knowledge on this page. You’re looking at the item record provided by the holding institution. If you scroll further down the page, you’ll see the information from RRN members, and can share your own knowledge too.

The RRN processes the information it receives from each institution to make it more readable and easier to search. If you’re doing in-depth research on this item, be sure to take a look at the Data Source tab to see the information exactly as it was provided by the institution.

These records are easy to share because each has a unique web address. You can copy and paste the location from your browser’s address bar into an email, word document, or chat message to share this item with others.

  • Data
  • Data Source

This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

Description

Large carved, dark brown head with pronounced features like hollow cheeks and eyes, pursed lips, elongated slightly hooked nose and one thick double-arched eyebrow over both eyes. Back hollowed out: two joined pieces form oval tapering to base that has neck-like projection hollowed out in front. Forehead's centre has borehole; nails hammered into head's top; some red pigment on nose and temples; forehead, eyebrow, and nose are textured by small diagonal cuts in surface.

History Of Use

Dramatic displays of rank and privilege have traditionally been part of the oratory, dancing, regalia, and feasting that accompany the Kwakwaka’wakw potlatch. Immense feast dishes representing Dzunuk̓wa (Tsonoqua), or Wild Woman, were used at events where the host would challenge his rivals to promise future feasts. The placement of the dish, and the manner in which chiefs were served from its various parts, would reflect the rank of each tribe and sometimes fuel rivalries among them. These are often of giant size. Also as 'gikaml', chief's mask, which is usually of moderate size.

Iconographic Meaning

Dzunuk'wa (Giantess, Tsonoqua) is usually recognized by her blackened face, sunken eyes and cheeks, and pursed lips. Tsonoqua was a female giantess who inhabited the distant forest and mountains. She had a distinctive cry 'hu, hu' and was particularly threatening to children. She could also be benevolent in some aspects. Used as a crest she was associated with wealth, power, and good fortune. Another aspect of Tsonoqua was to control the magic 'water of life', a gift she bestowed on a family that wrested her secrets from her. Importance seen in her magical Sisiutl house beams and posts with many filled boxes of treasure within. She is one of a large family of giants who lived in the faraway mountains and woods. A myth tells of the basket she carried on her back in which she collected children, taking them home to eat. The children usually outwitted her, however, because she was slow-moving.

Item History

With an account, you can ask other users a question about this item. Request an Account

With an account, you can submit information about this item and have it visible to all users and institutions on the RRN. Request an Account

Similar Items