This mask represents the “White Spirit Otter” in the story of Gunarnesemgyet. In it the hunter sees a white sea otter and kills it. His wife takes the fur down to the sea to clean it, as she steps into the water, the otter changes form and takes her to the land of the killerwhales. There she must marry the chief, but Gunar has followed and manages to get her back before the chief can marry her.

The abalone shells and copper are symbols of royality, the white hair is for the spirit otter. On the forehead are two otters carved, which touch the ears of the mask, these are supernatural helpers to the otter.

This mask is a memorial to those, who have lost their lives at sea, on the Northwest Coast.

Alder/ abalone shell/ copper/ hair