by Skip Saunders
(Nuxalk)

Red Cedar, paint, bark (11”x9”x7”)

$1985

More important to the Bella Coola than any other manifestation of the supernatural is that power which makes an individual either an atukwala or an askankots. The former is a person who owing to ability granted to him by a supernatural being, is able to perform miraculous feats, especially in curing the sick; the latter is one with similar powers obtained from a ghost. The designation “shaman” is used to describe both types of supernaturally endowed individuals. Some shaman could use their power to heal or cause death. In the past “there dwelt in the lower Bella Coola valley a shaman, Anusaiksaixsaix-ats by name; he was a regular practitioner, able both to heal the sick or to cause death. When using his power beneficially, he shook a rattle containing a rock crystal, but when he was requested to kill, he used one that appeared to be identical but contained human teeth and wolf fangs.” (McIlwraith)