A Leak In The Safe

North America
Tlingit peoples, Alaska/British Columbia
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.

Indiana University Art Museum