Masks & Shaman Regalia

Shamanista

Animism | Shamanism | Spirit Journeys | Healing

Masks and Other Shaman Regalia

Shamans have long known that masks, special robes and other regalia are not just for putting on a show. Each special object or garment has its own spirit(s). Though not absolutely necessary, the robes and regalia make it easier to go into the spirit world and offer protection while there.

Each object partakes of the spirit of the animals, plants, and stones used in making it as well as the spirit of the person who made it. An object used by a shaman also stores power from the shaman, from ceremonies, and from the shaman's guides, teachers, and helpers.

For detailed information on Siberian shaman regalia of 100 years ago, see this page at Sacred-Texts.com.

Masks

Shaman's masks can serve several purposes. Some masks are imbued with spirit to such an extent that in ceremony the mask itself helps the shaman go into deep trance and leads to a particular part of the spirit world. For example, some shamans wear the head of their spirit animal on their own head, helping to make contact with that spirit.

Psychologically putting on a mask signals the subconscious that the shaman is going into a particular state of mind associated with wearing that mask.

On a practical level. some masks restrict vision or hearing, helping to block out distractions and making it easier to go into a deep trance.

Shaman's Spirit Mask Giclee Print
Buy at AllPosters.com

More information coming soon on shaman masks!

Ceremonial Robes

Putting on special ceremonial robes has several purposes.

It signals the subconscious mind of the shaman that a shamanic ceremony is about to begin, and that it is time to focus on the spirit world.

It signals family and community members that the shaman is functioning in official capacity as a servant of the spirit world (and therefore not to bother him/her with mundane concerns and to be sure and show the respect the spirit world demands).

It impresses upon the community or the person being healed that the power of the spirit world is being called upon to heal them. That alone can help them heal.

Shamans tend to believe that all the pieces of the regalia have spirits of their own and can help lend power to the shamanic work.

It is as though the shaman wearing her magic robes is already wrapped in the power of the spirit world.

More information coming soon on shaman robes!

Amulets

People to this day in many cultures believe that amulets convey special power or protection.

In Europe and America, for example, many people believe it is important for them to wear the spiritual symbols of their religion: cross, crucifix, star of David, pentacle, St. Christopher or other religious medal, and so on. Buddhists and Hindus often attribute power to necklaces, pendants, and other amulets that have been specially blessed by religious teachers such as gurus and lamas.

Shamans generally wear amulets made of natural materials, such as leather medicine bags filled with natural objects. Or they may wear necklaces, wristlets, anklets, or arm bands of natural materials, strung with stones, feathers, teeth, bones, or other natural materials. While they may be beautiful, such things are not for decoration. Each item has a meaning and purpose, sometimes several.

Shamans of different cultures may make and wear amulets of various kinds, often depending on their own special guidance from spirit. Often one of their duties is to make and empower healing and protective amulets for others in their group.

More information coming soon on amulets and other shaman adornments!

Decorations

Originally shaman's robes and other regalia were decorated with natural materials, such as elk teeth, stone and shell beads, bear and cat claws, feathers, fur, fringe, sinew, and porcupine quills. After metal was discovered, shamans began adding shining metal ornaments of copper or gold.

Decorations and the Rise of Male Shamans

Because early metal smiths were also considered to be magical practioners, some archeologists speculate that some smiths, who were men, decided to make their own shaman regalia and claim the position of shaman. They believe that explains how men became shamans and, in some cultures, took the position of shaman away from women. It could also explain why in many cultures male shamans wear women's garments as their ceremonial robes.

Tiger Bells

Among the most fascinating and beautiful ornaments for shaman regalia are tiger bells. Though the design eventually spread all across Asia and beyond, researchers believe tiger bells originated in Siberia. For more information and photos, see this Tiger Bells website.

More information coming soon on the decorations attached to shaman robes and regalia!

Home * What is Shamanism? * Origins of Shamanism * Spirit World & World Tree * Animals, Plants & Stones * Journeying to the Spirit World * Energy Cleansing * Shielding & Protection * Drumming & Rattling * Toning & Chanting * Ecstatic Trance Postures * Divination, Dreams & Visions * Shamanic Healing * Soul Retrieval * Soul Release (Psychopomp) * Altars & Sacred Places * Masks & Shaman Regalia * Other Resources * Amazon Book Shop * About Shamanist * Site Map