This is a traditional Kwakwaka'wakw mask from Vancouver Island, Canada that depicts a personified 'Wind' spirit. Hand-carved from red cedar by Indigenous Kwakwaka'wakw artist Gilbert Dawson, this minimalist and charming sculpture measures 28" x 14" x 10". It is signed on the back and ready to hang.

In Kwakwaka’wakw culture, Wind is a figure in the Atlakima, the Kwakwaka’wakw Dance of the Forest Spirits that often takes place during the winter months. There is a part of this dance that revolves around Kwakwabalas, a special young boy that receives the ability to protect all living beings in the forests of the Northwest. After Kwakwabalas attains the ability to protect, he begins to return home but notices that the path he knows is blanketed with fog. At that moment, the Creator calls on Wind to clear the way for the boy because Kwakwabalas must share his gift with his relatives. In the artwork, Wind is often depicted with pursed lips and is painted white. Wind masks are often embellished with several feathers that move to and fro as the wearer dances.

"Beau Dick", "Beau Dick masks", "Alert Bay", "Wind spirit", "god of wind", "white native mask"