Alhkuntam

Alhkuntam is the supreme deity of Nuxalk cosmology, the maker whose will animates the creation. Dwelling in Nusmata, the House of Myths in the upper world, he directs the four supernatural carpenters to carve the first human beings and to fashion the animals and landscape. He is the patron of the great masked dance complexes and the ultimate source of ceremonial prerogative. Sources differ on the relationship between Alhkuntam and the Sun: Boas and McIlwraith describe them as distinct residents of the House of Myths who occupy its rear, while some popular accounts identify Alhkuntam himself as a solar being, reflecting his close association with the Sun's household. His mother was the cannibal being who was ultimately transformed into the mosquito.

Parentage

• parent: NunusomikeeqonemBoas, Franz. 1898. The Mythology of the Bella Coola Indians. New York: G.E. Stechert. (primary)

Children

• Manaakays

Domains

• creation
• sovereignty
• initiation

Powers

• commissions the making of humankind
• bestows ceremonial prerogatives

Relations

• parent: NunusomikeeqonemBoas, Franz. 1898. The Mythology of the Bella Coola Indians. New York: G.E. Stechert. (primary)
• child: Manaakays'Nuxalk (Bella Coola).' The Canadian Encyclopedia. Historica Canada. (secondary)
• companion: SenxBoas, Franz. 1898. The Mythology of the Bella Coola Indians. New York: G.E. Stechert. (primary)
• ally: MasmasalanixAlhkuntam directs the four carpenters in the work of creation.American Museum of Natural History. 'Nuxalk,' Northwest Coast Hall, New York. (secondary)

Sources

• Alhkuntam is the supreme creator deity who, with the four supernatural carpenters, created humans, animals, and the features of the world.: Boas, Franz. 1898. The Mythology of the Bella Coola Indians. Memoirs of the American Museum of Natural History 2(2). New York: G.E. Stechert. (primary); American Museum of Natural History. 'Nuxalk,' Northwest Coast Hall permanent exhibition, New York. (secondary)
• Alhkuntam presides over the masked ceremonial dances and the House of Myths.: McIlwraith, T.F. 1948. The Bella Coola Indians, 2 vols. Toronto: University of Toronto Press. (primary)