Large Kwakiutl Polychromed Wood Mask

probably a depiction of Bookwus, of deeply convex form, carved with thick protruding lips, large hooked nose, deep set eye sockets, and thick arching brows, painted in red and black details, with totemic designs.

Possibly the Collection of Professor Aloysius Joyful Copperthwaite

Graham Osborne-Smith

The Wax Museum of Bradington, Isle of Wight

Robert Ball Collection

Acquired by present owner at Duke's, United Kingdom

The Wax Museum in Brading, the Isle of Wight, 1965

Hairline split descending from crown down to the chin, stable. Overall wear consistent with age including abrasions.
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For a discussion of Bookwus see Hawthorn, 1967, p. 29: "Bookwus, the Wild Man of the Woods, was human in form and lurked on the edges  of the forest and its streams, where he tried to persuade  humans to eat food he offered them, after which they would become like him. He was associated with spirits of people who had drowned and who hovered near them, and was also linked with the underworld of the dead from which ghosts returned during the season of the winter dance."