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The coat is manufactured in the form of a caftan
with suede of wild reindeer. The cut, design elements,
and pendants symbolize a bird, the main spirit-protector
of the shaman, and reflect the view of the universe
as consisting of three worlds. The metal pendants on
the back and along the breast of the coat indicate
helper spirits. The images of birds, including a loon on the
rear lap, emphasize the role of birds as the shaman's
guide to other worlds. The cross in the area of the
shoulder blades symbolizes the four cardinal directions and
the center of the universe. The geometric zigzag
design delimits the boundaries of the universe. The coat
belonged to a powerful shaman who was victorius in many struggles against the spirits.
Evenk.
Suede of a reindeer; fur of mountain goat, bear, and muskrat; cloth; metals, including copper and iron; seed beads; dye. Length 114 cm, length in front 84 cm, length of sleeve 61 cm. Coll. No. 5589-36. |