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North America Tlingit peoples, Alaska/British Columbia Shaman's Amulet ca. 1830–50 White-tailed deer antler L. 3 in. (7.6 cm) Raymond and Laura Wielgus Collection During healing rituals, a Tlingit shaman, who is both a priest and a healer, wore amulets and sometimes touched the patients with them. On this one, the main figure, which probably represents a shaman, is shown either riding on a bear or emerging from its head; both interpretations suggest the special relationships that shamans had with animal spirits. In addition, above the figure's head is a smaller head with its eyes closed, a reference to sleep, death, or a trance state, all realms in which a shaman was able to travel. |
