Image of a darkened corner in the Potlatch Gallery with a cedar chest visible in the foreground. Corner of the Potlatch Gallery showing a large cedar post and a group of wolf masks. Corner of the Potlatch Gallery showing a group of masks and headdresses from the potlatch collection View from the west end of the Potlatch Gallery showing the north side and entrance wall.

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K´enk´u – Supernatural Crane like bird

Colour photograph of Kenku – Supernatural Crane like bird shot against a black background

K´enk´u is a supernatural crane-like bird that is often mistaken as a Huxwhukw. Both birds have long narrow beaks and feed on human brains. Although similar, both birds are unique within potlatch ceremonies. The right to display the K´enk´u mask, song and dance is a special privilege and masks of this kind are rare.

Owner: Hiłamas, Ned Alvin Innis, ’Namgis (Alert Bay)

K´enk´u