A figure in Northwest coast culture, Tsonoqua (or Dzunukwa) was a revered and much feared “Wild Woman of the Woods”. She was described as being a giant covered with thick, black hair, her eyes glowed like hot coals, and she was known for sending out a sharp whistle. The wind in the cedars was said to be the Tsonoqua whistling in the woods. She is spiritually and physically powerful, and possesses magical treasures and great wealth. While the keeper and bringer of wealth to the tribes, she was also a figure of great dread, said to trick errant children to satisfy her insatiable hunger! Tsonoqua stories have been likened to the ‘Hansel and Gretel’ folktale, these stories in various forms were told to children to discourage them from going into the woods alone.

Tsonoqua
50” x  27”
 FRANCIS HORNE -Master Carver
Coast Salish