Northwest Native Shaman's Apron ca. 1877

This outstanding example of a Northwest Native Ceremonial Apron, ca. 1870's, is from the seller's personal collection of Northwest Native Art. It is marked "Neah Bay 1877". The Seller is a member of the Sealaska Native Corporation, a member of the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indians Tribes of Alaska, all federally recognized tribes. This amazing example of the Northwest native culture is a Shaman Ceremonial Apron, circa 1870's. This beautiful hand crafted cured leather apron overall measures 44 inches wide and 30 inches long. The thick leather top is 4 inches wide and 44 inches long. Each leather strand measures approximately 26 inches in length. At the end of the strands, attached with sinew, are either a deer hoof or deer dew claw. This Shaman's apron contains a total of 131 deer hoofs or dew claws. There is a total of 135 such strands. Each leather strand is adorned with 3 bands of woven wide grass, each band measuring approximately 3 inches wide and adding to it's fine detail. As this item is in its natural state and is approximately 130 years old, the leather has stiffened somewhat firm and shows use, which I believe adds to its appearance and authenticity. It is believed that most times, when a Shaman died, that his ceremonial costume, such as this apron, would be buried with him, and is probably why these Shaman's aprons are so very rare. The search for supernatural power is a cultural trait common to most North American Native cultures. Shamans often had survived a serious illness, thereby gaining the power to heal others. Shamans were usually called upon for their curing powers after all known herbal remedies and purification rites (sweat-baths) had failed. By this time, the patient could be very ill. After making a preliminary examination, shamans could refuse to treat the patient, saying their spirit power could not handle that particular type of illness. In difficult cases, shamans informed the family that the patient would probably die, but that they were willing to attempt a cure, as long as it was understood that there was no guarantee of success. This protected the shamans if the patient died. Shaman's wore bearskin robes, aprons, and crowns of grizzly-bear claws. They also used a number of aids, including round rattles, skin drums, and charms. When shamans fell into a trance, they called on super-natural powers to cure the sick. This beautiful example of Northwest Native culture is for sale to the discriminating buyer who cherishes the finest and rare creations of true and original Northwest native history. $2195.00 OR BEST OFFER. Serious Inquiries Only Please. Shipping and Insurance will be "Paid by seller".