Shaman Figure

ca. 1860

Tlingit

Small carved figures such as this—some having their own miniature masks, tunics and rattles—represent shamans or their spirit helpers and were part of the myriad curing paraphernalia employed to purge the ill person of evil spirits. The club would protect the shaman against his supernatural enemies.

Yellow cedar wood, human hair, and paint

14 5/8 x 4 x 3 in. (37.15 x 10.16 x 7.62 cm)

Gift of John H. Hauberg

91.1.119

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, The Box of Daylight, September 15, 1983 - January 8, 1984

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

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