Initiate's net
Fiber
Yao Ho people; Khe Mu village, Lao Cai Province; 2000

"To express thanks to the spider who saved the life of the highest god in the Yao pantheon, the initiate's net is made in the form of a spider web," notes Mr. Ban Van Xiem, a former ritual master. When the initiate falls into the net, his multiple souls remain in the sky, gaining power from the gods, and they must be called back into his body by the ritual masters. Once reunited with his souls, the boy is spiritually reborn and enjoys the special protection of the gods. The masters feed him like a baby and instruct him in the ritual knowledge of the Yao. The net, cut to destroy its power, is discarded.

VME 14.00.07.36