Shamanistic regalia
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Exhibition Text
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Shamans were individuals who could control supernatural power. Their primary duty was to cure the sick. They could also use their powers to locate people who were lost and to provide food for their villages i times of scarcity. ! Malevolent shamans had the power to cause illness and death. To summon the aid of their spirits, shamans sang and danced their special songs and dances. In performing curing rites, the shaman carried rattles, charms, and other paraphernalia, some of which are displayed here.!
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In This Section

Ivory charms used by a shaman

Ivory tubes

Necklace

Hair ornament of swans’ quills

Shaman’s whistles made of the leg bone of birds

Neck ring of cedar bark

A surgical instrument

Dance ornament

Neck ring of loon skin
