Kumugwe facts for kids
Kumugwe (also called Komokwa or Goomokwey) is a powerful figure in the stories of the Pacific Northwest peoples. His name means "wealthy one." He is known as "Copper-Maker" and is the god of the undersea world. The Kwakwaka'wakw and Nuxalk Indigenous nations especially respect him.
Kumugwe lives in a magnificent house under the sea. This house is full of amazing treasures. Sometimes, he is seen as the same spirit as Qaniqilak. Qaniqilak is the spirit of the summer fishing season. Kumugwe is sometimes thought to be the opposite of Tseiqami, also known as Thunderbird. Thunderbird is an important spirit during the Winter Hamatsa Dance season.
Who is Kumugwe?
Kumugwe is the master of all seals. The very posts and beams of his underwater home are living sea lions! Sometimes, Kumugwe appears on the ocean's surface. His head is so huge that it looks like a small island.
He controls the ocean's tides, making them rise and fall. He is also responsible for the valuable things the tides bring to the beaches. Kumugwe has special powers. He can see into the future. He can also heal people who are sick or hurt. If he favors someone, he can give them special abilities.
Quests to the Undersea World
Many brave heroes have tried to reach Kumugwe's home under the sea. Those who succeeded were greatly rewarded. They received amazing riches and powerful spirit magic. Kumugwe's world is protected by the clever octopus. Sometimes, Kumugwe himself is even imagined as an octopus!
When a hero entered his home, Kumugwe would teach them about the ocean's secrets. He would also give them wonderful gifts. These gifts included special blankets, valuable coppers, unique songs, and beautiful masks. He also gave them ceremonial clothing called regalia. These magical items are known as Tlugwe (or Tlokwe) in the Kwak'wala language.
Kumugwe's Family
One of Kumugwe's special titles is "Copper Maker." He has a wife named Tlakwakilayokwa. Her name means "Born to Be Copper Maker's Woman." She is also sometimes called Kominaga.
How Kumugwe is Shown
Masks that show Kumugwe often have features from sea creatures. You might see rounded fish eyes or rows of gills near his mouth. Some masks have fins around his head. Others show the suction cups of an octopus. You might also see fish and water birds framing or sitting on his head.
His most important animal symbols are loons, seals, sea lions, octopuses, orcas (killer whales), and sculpins (a type of fish).
