 Alma, a Siberian Shaman  Click Here for a Close-up Portrait |
Of all the Siberian tribes, the Tungus are especially well known for the unique specialized robes of their shamans. Alma wears a garment directly inspired by one such robe documented in 1876. The World Tree is stitched onto the front "doublet" . The ascension of these nine branches of the larch tree are the levels passed in the initiation which gives the shamans the right to their powers. The tree bears a striking resemblance to the branching spine and rib pattern ("x-ray" motif) used in designing Alma's boots, as she walks that line between light and dark, life and the spirit world. The fringe on her sleeves creates the wings for her spirit flight. Wrought iron amulets honor the spirits of the birds, the reindeer, their sled dogs, and animals of the hunt: some amulets would have sounded along with the brass bells when she moved. Her staff is held high, aiding her rhythmic chanting in calling her animal spirit helpers of the earth and air to join and guide her. Alma wears a cotton tunic under her shaman's robe of recycled garment leather and fur, with amulets made of Sculpey, and tiny bells. The red and blue beading is symbolic in my mind of the elements of air, fire and water. She is of Super Sculpey with human hair, and a poseable wired soft body. Her removeable staff is from the forests of Washington State. |
