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The caftan is made from reindeer hide. The front
is made of suede of different colors; one part is
not dyed, another is dyed a brick-red color using a
solution made from alder-tree bark. The combination of
two colors symbolizes the opposing worlds of people
and spirits. Sewn on the lower edge of the sleeves are
iron plates with pendants symbolizing feathers and bird
wing bones. On the back, on the belt, there are two
bands embroidered with hairs from reindeer beards
and decorated with a striped design. Attached to each
of the bands are two tubular metal pendants that
symbolize bird feathers. In the center between the
ornamental bands is a rounded metal plate symbolizing a
mirror tolia shield that protects the shaman from evil
spirits. Dense fringe attached to the bottom edge of
the cloth is also symbolic of birds.
Even. Primorsky region, Anadyr area, late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Suede of reindeer, iron, copper, leather, hair from the beards of reindeer. Length 87 cm, width 39 cm, length of sleeves 43 cm. Coll. No. 2245-303. |