Eywas

Eywas is a fictional entity central to the mythology of the Kwakiutl people, a First Nations group of Canada. Within Kwakiutl cosmology, Eywas is a powerful spirit or supernatural being, often depicted as a child or a young boy. This being is associated with transformation, the afterlife, and the realm of spirits.

Eywas is a key figure in shamanistic journeys and rituals. Shamans, who act as intermediaries between the human and spirit worlds, often seek out Eywas to gain knowledge, healing power, or guidance. The spirit is believed to reside in a supernatural land, sometimes described as being beneath the earth or in the sky. Encounters with Eywas are typically profound and transformative for those who experience them.

The image of Eywas is often rendered in Kwakiutl art, particularly on masks and poles. These artistic representations typically show a youthful figure, sometimes with distinctive features or attire that signify his spiritual power. The stories and beliefs surrounding Eywas are an integral part of the Kwakiutl cultural heritage, reflecting their worldview and spiritual practices.