Morris Johnny has worked with and apprenticed under a number of prominent artists over his career, including the late Beau Dick (1955-2017), Marcus Alfred (1981-), and Calvin Hunt (1956-). [1] Known for his large-scale masks and panels, this iteration of K̲ulus is carved in red cedar and painted in blue, green, black, and red. A pair of ears with faces are mounted to the top of the mask, adding to the dramatic flair of the work. The sculpture’s already imposing mass is accentuated by the twisted cedar bark rope framing the K̲ulus’ head and the thick mat of hammered cedar hanging down from the mask. Johnny has created this as a functional, theatrical mask that is virtually identical to the masks used by the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw in the Big House. In practice, the hammered cedar bark would help conceal the dancer while dancing. This mask has a very clean finish, with the painted elements emphasized by V-cuts into the cedar, helping the two-dimensional elements really stand out.

According to the U’mista Cultural Society, “K̲ulus is referred to as the younger brother or sister of the Thunderbird. K̲ulus does not have feathers and is noted for its very thick coat of white down; it is said to be so thick that the bird has a tendency to perspire and is happy to remove its covering and become human for a while. This refers to the ability, like Thunderbird, to transform and become human. In many origin stories, a K̲ulus flew down from heaven and shed its costume to become the founding ancestor of the tribe or clan.” [2]

1. Morris Johnny Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw Artist. About. https://www.morrisjohnny.com/blank-2. Accessed 18 April 2026.

2. U’mista Cultural Society. Gallery 4. Kulus, Accessed 18 April 2026.

Christopher W. Smith