This beautiful miniature Kwaguʼł (Kumugwe) Mask Pendant by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Kevin Daniel Cranmer is intricately carved from yellow cedar, and painted in red, blue, and black acrylic. The mask is adorned with two abalone inlays for the eyes, two abalone inlays on the cheeks, and four abalone inlays on the crown. The mask is further enhanced by the addition of four copper U-forms along the crown, two copper ovoids on the eyebrows, and four copper teeth.

The jaw of the mask is articulated and opens and closes by pulling the dangling abalone below. Tied in the back is a black rope necklace. Included with the mask is a hand-carved yellow cedar stand, painted with black acrylic and adorned with four abalone inlays.

The Komokwa Symbol represents the “Wealthy One” and is the mythical King of the Supernatural Undersea World. He is also called the Copper Maker. The King or Guardian of the Sea is a very powerful and wealthy ruler who lives in a great House made of copper under the sea, filled with food and treasures. It is said that he is the master and protector of the seals and has live sea lions as house posts that guard the entrance.

Find more information about and examples of  Northwest Coast First Nations symbol.

The mask alone measures approximately 3 inches or 7 3/4 centimeters high, 2 1/2 inches or 6 1/2 centimeters wide, and 2 inches or 5 1/8 centimeters deep. The mask with the stand measures 5 1/2 inches or 14 centimeters high, 4 inches or 10 1/4 centimeters wide, and 3 1/2 inches or 9 centimeters deep.

The last image is of Kevin Cranmer holding the pendant.