Shaman's mask with ear ornament

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Description

metal (copper), soot,

Face masks from metal were worn during ceremonies when the shaman, dancing aorund a fire, traveled in trance between the three levels of existence. The Evenks differentiated between an upper world (‘ugu buga’), a middle world of humans (‘duga buga’) and the underworld (‘chargi buga’). The reflections on the metal mask would have enhanced the spiritual tension among the spectators. Shamams communicated with spirits to ensure success in hunting, healing, and divination.

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Comparing literature

Doustar, Martin, Ancient Artefacts from Siberia and Beyond, Paris 2018, Fig. 22 Ivanov, S., Ancient Masks of Siberian Peoples, Leningrad 1975, plate 38

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