Mungo Martin was taught to carve by his stepfather, Yakuglas Charlie James (c. 1867-1938), and often worked with his niece, Ḵaḵaso’las Ellen Neel (1916-1966). [1] Together, they formed one of the most innovative and important Northwest Coast artistic lineages of the 20th century. This Dzunuḵ̓wa Figure is very similar to an example in the MOA that was originally donated to the museum as a Neel carving in 2009 (2778/1 a-b). Since then, however, multiple experts have reevaluated that attribution and instead identified the figure as the work of Martin. [2] As noted by the MOA, it would seem that Neel would occasionally sell her uncle’s pieces for him, perhaps leading to the confusion.

Dzunuḵ̓wa, the Wild Woman of the Woods, is a hairy, cannibalistic giantess. She is often depicted with simian facial features, long black hair, and pursed, red lips. Like the MOA example, this carving is a figural rendering of Dzunuḵ̓wa holding a decorated basket or dish. Her arms are attached at an angle, terminating in large, well-carved hands. Her face is sculpted into a classic form, with sharp cheekbones, puckered red lips, and internally tangent circles for eyes. Her head and body are painted all black, with secondary yellow forms delineating her facial features, breasts, and knees. As with its MOA counterpart, this figure is mounted to a rounded, handmade base.

1. See Lots 42, 59, and 60, this sale.

2. Dzunuḵ̓wa Figure. Item number 2778/1 a-b. MOA-CAT. http://collection-online.moa.ubc.ca/search/item?keywords=mungo+martin&row=16&tab=more. Accessed 26 March 2026.

CWS