Shaman Healing and Divination Arts of SE Asia

The Naga people are a collection of 35+ tribes, or about 3.5 million people, who live in the hills of Nagaland, India and in the bordering country of Myanmar. Their beliefs are animistic and shamanism is a respected, integral part of everyday life.

Shaman Effigy Figure, Nagaland, India, Naga tribe, Early 20th c, Wood, pigment, shell, Probably for calling spirits as well as for use in healing rituals There are 7 images on the back of creatures made by poking holes as an outline for each one. 14” x 5 ¾” x 2 ¾”, Sold — Shaman Effigy, Nagaland, India, Naga tribe, Early 20th c, Wood, pigment, shell

This figure was used in healing rituals and probably for connecting to ancestor spirits. There are seven creature images on the backside. The creature depictions are made by poking holes as an outline for each one.
14” x 5 ¾” x 2 ¾”, SOLD

Monkey Skull Amulet Necklace, Naga Tribe, Nagaland, India, Mid to late 19th c, Bone, horn, fiber cord, This Macaque skull and goat horn amulet was worn by the shaman for healing rituals and likely for connecting to helpful spirits. It was passed down from shaman to shaman and worn for many generations, 22” x 4 ½” x 2 ½”, $780. — Monkey Skull Amulet Necklace, Naga tribe, Nagaland, India, Mid to late 19th c, Bone, horn, fiber cord

This Macaque skull and goat horn amulet was worn by the shaman for healing rituals and likely for connecting to helpful spirits. It was passed down from shaman to shaman, worn for many generations
22” x 4 ½” x 2 ½”, $780. SOLD

Naga Tribe, Shaman's Medicinal Mortar, Nagaland, India, Early 20th c, Carved Wood, for preparing healing medicinal herbs and substances for remedies tailored for each patient. It is carved by the shaman with power designs that relate to healing rituals. , 6 ½” x 4” x 4”, $190. — Medicinal Mortar, Nagaland, India, Early 20th c, Wood

This shaman grinding bowl is for preparing healing medicinal herbs and other substances for remedies tailored for each patient. It is carved by the shaman with power designs that relate to healing rituals.
6 ½” x 4” x 4”, $190.
_______________
MYANMAR

Burmese Medicine Figurine Myanmar (Burma) Late 19th c. Mixture of herbs For healing potions The Shaman makes these medicine figures only between 3:00 and 6:00 am. He will use them to chip off small bits from the bottom side with which to prepare healing elixirs for his patient. 2 1/2" to 3", Left to right - $375., $240., $395. — Burmese Medicine Blocks – Compressed Herbal Figurines, Myanmar/Burma, Late 19th c, Mixture of Dried, Pressed Herbs

These 3 figures are not Naga, but from the neighboring country of Myanmar. They are a mixture of herbs pressed into blocks and carved into figurines for healing potions/remedies. The Shaman follows precise rituals and recipes to make these medicine figures between 3:00 and 6:00 am only.
Once pressed and detailed into the tiny figurines, the shaman will use them many times by chipping off small bits from the bottom side to prepare the appropriate mixture and dosage of healing elixirs for patients. 2 ½” to 3″, Left to right – $375., $240., $395.

Balancing The Universe: Shamanism in Nagaland and Myanmar

Inquire About Items Featured in This Blog Post