Representations in wood of the Shaman's spirit helpers main content.

Representations in wood of the Shaman's spirit helpers

CS_3.2_hero

Exhibition Text

Shamans were individuals to whom supernatural beings had granted the power to cause or cure disease. In this curing rites, the shaman summoned his spirit helpers by singing the special songs and performing the dances associated with them; these supernatural beings then bestowed the power to cure the patient. Some Coast Salish shamans carved representations in wood of their spirit helpers, such as those displayed here.