The Wildman of the Woods, Bukwus, is a supernatural, non-human creature who is an important figure in Kwakwaka’wakw mythology. He is associated with the spirits of people who have drowned and lives in an invisible house in the forest. He lurks on the edges of forests and near streams, luring the souls of those who’ve drown. Those captured by the Bukwus are condemned to eternal hunger, misery, and wandering, and accompany him as he journeys to lure more souls into the spirit world. Bukwus is a spiritual embodiment of all things in the forest and is a representation of people in our lives that attempt to influence us negatively. I took the Kwaqiutl teachings and added a more human Tshimsham element and then added my own interpretation. I wanted to catch the exact moment when Bookwus spots his prey of drowned humans, and anticipates coaxing them to come live with him in his world. Bukwus was carved from alder and features horsehair, deer antler, paint, oil and wax.