This Chief of the Undersea World Mask in hand-carved by Nuxalk and Nuu-chah-nulth artist Kelly Robinson. It has been carved from birch, painted in red and light purple acrylic, and his adorned with cedar bark, rabbit fur, and leather.
The Komokwa Symbol, or Chief of the Undersea, represents the “Wealthy One” and is the mythical King of the Supernatural Undersea World. He is also called the Copper Maker. The King or Guardian of the Sea is a very powerful and wealthy ruler who lives in a great House made of copper under the sea, filled with food and treasures. It is said that he is the master and protector of the seals and has live sea lions as house posts that guard the entrance.
Find more information about and examples of Northwest Coast First Nations symbol.
The mask, including the cedar bark, measures approximately 18 inches or 46 centimeters high, 14 inches or 35 1/2 centimeters wide, and 5 1/2 inches or 14 centimeters deep.
