Kwakwakaʼwakw Unicorn TF.png

I’ve been reading a bit lately about some indigenous cultures of the Pacific Northwest coast, and in particular, the Kwakwakaʼwakw. In addition to woodcarving arts I was already familiar with – totem poles, for example – they’re also known for things called “transformation masks.” Really neat stuff, and I urge you to look them up if you’re interested in transformation’s portrayal in other cultures. The ceremonial masks often portray an animal when closed, and with the pull of a string, they open to reveal a human face on the inside; these tell origin stories of the group’s ancestors transforming from their natural forms as ravens, thunderbirds, etc, into humans or mythical beings.

Much like how the thunderbird’s wingbeats are responsible for thunder, a herd of galloping horses – sometimes depicted with horns – is responsible for the crash of waves against the shoreline. Many who go out to sea and are lost among the waves are thought to be turned into one of the horses themselves. Picrel is a piece of art in the Kwakwakaʼwakw style portraying an unfortunate human transforming into another member of the herd.

Okay, not really. Only the first paragraph is true; I made up everything in the second paragraph (except for the part about the thunderbird, at least). That said, I hope some of you find this stuff as fascinating as I do.

One notable aspect I left out of my original post is that when the dancers wear their transformation masks at a potlatch (Kwakwakaʼwakw spiritual ceremonies), the dancers are said to become whatever animal, spirit, or mythical being is portrayed in the mask. I could imagine a younger member of a tribe taking it less than seriously and assuming it’s just a symbolic transformation… only to find it a bit tougher to stand on two legs once the ceremony starts and he dons his mask.
I did make the art, yes. I’ve been enamored with the PNW indigenous art style for a few months now and recently decided to also read up on their culture.