Shaman’s Bag - Mehinaku Indians, State Of Mato Grosso, Central-western Brazil

SHAMAN’S BAG
Mehinaku Indians, Mato Grosso State, Central-Western Brazil
Wood and plant fibres
L: 62.5 cm

A ritual pouch made of cotton fibres woven onto thin wooden rods, decorated with red stripes using a plant-based dye, held together by a string of rolled tobacco sticks.

These were burned during rituals to purify against invisible dangers before ceremonies and to unite the participants.

A ball of beeswax and a bar of crushed guarana are also included in the set. The former was used to exorcise evil spirits, whilst the latter facilitated entering a trance and accessing the spirit world.

Provenance:
- Formerly in the collection of Walter and Silvana Costa, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Formerly in a private collection, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Formerly in a private American collection.

Bibliography:

It was exhibited as part of the exhibition SHAMANS – DIALOGUES WITH THE INVISIBLE at the Musée des Explorations du Monde, in Cannes, from 1 July to 10 November 2023.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON