U'mista Cultural Society

The Potlatch Gallery

Image of the south side of the Potlatch Gallery showing a collection of potlatch regalia mounted against the wall. Image of the south-west corner of the Potlatch Gallery showing a group of masks. Image shows a darkened corner of the Potlatch Gallery with a group of Numaml masks on the left. View of the North wall corner towards the centre and south wall of the Potlatch Gallery.

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Kulus – Down-Covered Bird

Colour photograph shows Kulus down-covered bird against black background

Kulus is similar to the Thunderbird, but it is smaller and does not have spiral horns. Instead of feathers, Kulus has a coat of white down so thick it makes him sweaty. When he is overheated, he removes his down and becomes human for a while. This represents the ability, like the Thunderbird, to transform and become human. In many origin stories, Kulus flew down from heaven and shed his costume to become the founding ancestor of a tribe or clan.

Owner: Iwakalas, Harry Hanuse, Mamalilikala (Village Island)

Owner: Yekutłikalas, Sam Charlie, Mamalilikala (Village Island)

Owner: He’wasa

Kulus

Kulus or down-covered bird, hooked bill painted green, orange-red trim, round mirror eyes, hinged jaw, numerous nail fragments evidence missing attachments.
Kulus or down-covered bird, carved from cedar, broad curved beak, hinged lower jaw, mottled cloth head cover with nail fragments and rust blotches.
Kulus or down-covered bird, hooked beak of pale green, pale blue-grey patches around eyes, cotton and feather head cover.
Kulus or down-covered bird, carved from cedar, broad curved beak, hinged lower jaw, mottled cloth head cover with nail fragments and rust blotches.