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The coat symbolizes a bird--the main spirit
protector of a shaman. The long, dense suede fringes along
the lower part of the sleeves and along the bottom of
the coat depict bird feathers, and the rectangular
metal plates attached to the sleeves represent the bones
of a bird wing. On the breast there are two
rounded discs, the "nipples," and a pear-shaped pendant,
the "navel." These symbols serve to concentrate
the shamans's vital force. On the left side of the back
there are metal figures of a bird (grouse) and a bear,
the shaman's assistants. In the center of the back there
are bands embroidered with hairs from the beards
of reindeer and tubular metal pendantsthe "voices"
of spirits. At the small of the back, fastened to the lap,
is a suede strap with metal pendants a square
pendant with a hole, the "passage" to the lower world; a
loon, the shaman's guide; and a bell, the symbol of
connection. The rounded pendants on the shoulders and
the semi-oval pendant above the shoulder blades are
solar signs. The strands twisted on the sides depict
the shaman's "routes."
Yakut.
Suede of reindeer, iron, cloth, hair from beards of reindeer. Length 65 cm, width 48 cm, length of sleeves 60 cm. Coll. No. 8762-20140. |