Arts & Cultures Collections Database

"Spirit of the Ancestors"-All Northwest Coast people have traditions of giant, often malevolent human-like creatures that dwell in the dark wilderness and occasionally interact with humans. The Dzoonokwa is the archetypical monster-giant of the Northwest Coast. Sometimes described as an eater of human flesh or a stealer of children, she also can be the bestower of power and wealth. For those whose ancestors have met and bested her, the privilege of representing the Dzoonokwa in carved post, mask, and dramatic performance is a prized privilege. - Bill Holm