Kwakwakaʼwakw mythology facts for kids
The Kwakwaka'wakw are a group of Indigenous nations. About 5,500 of them live in British Columbia, Canada. Their homes are on northern Vancouver Island and the nearby mainland. The name Kwakwaka'wakw means "Kwak'wala-speaking tribes." However, each tribe is its own nation. They do not see themselves as one big group.
These nations share many customs with their neighbors. They believe in similar spirits and gods. But they speak different languages. Some spirits are special to only one or two cultures. Each tribe also has its own history and stories. Many practices and ceremonies are shared across Kwakwaka'wakw culture. Some are even shared with other Indigenous cultures nearby.
Contents
Creation Stories
The Kwakwaka'wakw have special stories about how the world began. One story tells of a raven flying over water. He could not find anywhere to land. So, he dropped small pebbles into the water. These pebbles became islands. Then, he created trees and grass. After a few tries, he made the first man and woman. He made them from wood and clay.
The Great Flood
Like many Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast, the Kwakwaka'wakw tribes have flood stories. These stories tell how their people survived a great flood. In some tales, ancestors changed into their natural forms. They disappeared as the waters rose. They returned when the waters went down. Other stories say people tied their canoes to tall mountains. This helped them stay safe during the flood.
Ancestors and Spirits
The Kwakwaka'wakw believe in many powerful spirits. These spirits are often linked to their family histories.
Thunderbird
Tseiqami is a man who came from a cedar tree. He is also known as the Thunderbird. This is a huge, powerful bird. Its wings make thunder. The flash of its eyes causes lightning. Thunderbird hunts whales in the ocean. Sometimes, he helped brave ancestors build houses. He would place giant cedar beams for them. Thunderbird has a younger brother named Kolus.
Kumugwe, the Undersea Chief
Thunderbird's rival is Qaniqilak. This is the spirit of the summer season. He is often called Kumugwe or Komokwa. He is the "Undersea Chief." Many Kwakwaka'wakw families have gained wealth from Kumugwe. He gives them special treasures. He is the god of the tides. He also creates coppers, which are valuable items.
Sisiutl, the Sea Serpent
Sisiutl is a giant sea serpent. It has three heads. Its gaze can turn enemies into stone. Sometimes, carvings of Sisiutl are found on clan house beams. Brave ancestors have received help from Sisiutl. He can change into a strong war canoe. He can also become a magic belt. This belt protects against all dangers.
Dzunukwa, the Giant
Dzunukwa (Tsonokwa) is a type of giant. Other tribes call similar giants sasquatch. Dzunukwa can be male or female. The female form is most often told in stories. She is said to eat children. She cries "hu-hu!" to attract them. She also imitates a child's grandmother's voice. But children often outsmart her. They sometimes kill her and take her treasures.
Bakwas, King of Ghosts
Bakwas is the king of ghosts. He is a small, green spirit. His face looks thin, like a skeleton. He has a long, curved nose. He lives in the forests. He tries to bring living people to the world of the dead. In some stories, Bakwas is the husband of Dzunukwa.
U'melth, the Raven
U'melth is the Raven. He is a very important figure. The Raven brought many things to the Kwakwaka'wakw people. These include the moon, fire, salmon, the sun, and the tides.
Pugwis, the Aquatic Creature
Pugwis is a creature that lives in water. It has a face like a fish. It also has large incisors, which are big front teeth.
Ceremonies and Spirituality
Kwakwaka'wakw spiritual beliefs are passed down through ceremonies. These mostly happen during the winter. These ceremonies are often called potlatches. They help to show and confirm family status. They also show spiritual power. This power comes from ancient ancestors. These ancestors contacted the spirit world. They received special gifts from supernatural beings. These gifts are called Tlugwe. They are supernatural treasures. They can be physical things like masks. They can also be stories, songs, dances, and other performances.
Kwakwaka'wakw spirits live in four main areas. These are sky spirits, sea spirits, earth spirits, and spirits from other worlds. All these areas connect with each other. People try to contact all four worlds. They often channel these spirits during sacred ceremonies. Dancers may go into trances. They wear masks and special clothing. These items are linked to the spirit world.
Hamatsa Secret Society
The Hamatsa is a very important secret society. During winter, they hold a four-day dance. This dance helps new members join Hamatsa. The Hamatsa dancer represents the spirit of Baxbaxwalanuksiwe. This spirit is called "Man-Eater at the North End of the World." He can change into different man-eating birds. He also has mouths all over his body. New Hamatsa members are believed to be possessed by Baxwbakwalanuksiwe'.
On the first day, the new member is brought from the woods. They are brought into the Big House to be calmed. When they return, they act out their possession. This is done in a symbolic way. Gwaxwgwakwalanuksiwe' is a very important role. He is a man-eating raven. Other participants include Galuxwadzuwus ("Crooked-Beak of Heaven"). There is also Huxhukw, a crane-like bird. Huxhukw cracks skulls to drink brains.
See also
