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Soul catcher
North America
circa 1850
Femur bone of a bear, abalone shell
W. 20 cm
TC 160

This soul catcher depicts Sisiutl a double-headed sea monster. These objects were used by shamans to capture a person's soul at ceremonies. It was believed that the soul was swallowed by the implement thereby assisting the shaman in curing the person. (Coe 1976:143)

Provenance:
Merton Simpson Gallery, New York
Morningstar Gallery, Santa Fe
Oldman Collection