Dzunukwa

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Dzunukwa is the Kwakiutl (Kwakwakawakw) "wild woman of the forest." She is an ancestor of the Namgis clan through her son, Tsilwalagame. She is venerated as a bringer of wealth, but is also greatly feared by children, because she is also known as an ogress who steals children and carries them home in her basket to eat. Her appearance is that of a naked, black-skinned, furry monster with long pendulous breasts. In masks and totem pole images she is shown with bright red pursed lips, because she is said to give off the call "Hu!" It is often told to children that the sound of the wind blowing through the cedar trees is actually the call of Dzunukwa. She has limited eye sight, and can be easily avoided because she can bearly see. She is also said to be rather drowsy, and dim-witted. However, she possesses great wealth and bestows it upon those who are able to get control of her child. At the end of a Kwakiutl potlatch ceremony, the host chief comes out bearing a mask of Dzunukwa which is called the "Geekumhl." This is the sign that the ceremony is over.