The Shaman is a medicine man with powers that enable him to transport himself into the spirit world when he is in the process of healing a sick person or to retrieve a medicine spirit for hi own use. The Pacific Coast shamans practiced various curing rituals. The long-haired Haida shamans used a special bone tube to blow away sickness and catch lost souls. In their search for souls gone astray, groups of Salish shamans mimed voyages made by spirit canoes. Nootka shamans dived to the bottom of the sea to do battle with the sea spirits who stole souls. Native Americans understand that health includes not just physical and mental well-being, but also prosperity (of self and community), harmonious relationships with family and lasting friendships. Medicine is therefore anything which promotes this broader concept of health.
This mask was hand carved from western red cedar and features yellow cedar, cedar bark, a deer skull with antlers, horse hair, acrylic paint and an oil and wax finish.