A number of objects from various cultures of the Xingu River Basin, located deep in the forest of Brazil, are held in the Bowers Museum. Collected in the 1950’s the objects were donated with thorough photographic and written documentation that provides views and descriptions of many of the objects in context. One of the most fascinating of these images shows a young sick girl from the village of Kamayura sitting in a hammock. Two Shamans hired to heal the girl suck at her knee and neck to remove the evil spirit infecting her. “Each drew his breath with a loud wheezing sound and exhaled with a deep groan. Repeating this six times, he turned his back, cupped his hands and made a noise like a horse neighing. As he exhaled, the saliva ran out his mouth and through his fingers. He then wiped his hands on the house post, took another cigar and repeated the sucking performance. The treatment was ended when one Shaman expelled a small stone or bone, believed to be the Evil Spirit, sucked from the patient’s body.”
Shell and Fiber Necklace
Kamayura Village, Xingu River Basin, Brazil
c. 1950
1 x 12 in
91.22.25
Donated by Mr. Michael S. Merrifield
Woven hat
Kamayura Village, Xingu River Basin, Brazil
c. 1950
3 3/4 x 8 1/2 in.
91.22.23
Donated by Mr. Michael S. Merrifield
Feathered Armband
Kamayura Village, Xingu River Basin, Brazil
c. 1950
3 x 18 in.
Donated by Mr. Michael S. Merrifield
91.22.121.2
This woven hat, feathered armband and shell necklace are very similar to those worn by the Shamans in the photograph. The selection of materials, production methods and patterning of Xingu area artwork, including body decoration, is heavily influenced and informed by the natural and spiritual world. Works of art are understood as non-lasting, sometimes only used once, and destined to be recycled into the earth. This attitude is in opposition to museum practices of physical preservation and emphasis of independent works of art, but it seems inevitably the former attitude will prevail. In the mean time these objects have the power to inspire and delight. Outstanding examples of ornaments including feather headdresses and a dazzling pair of iridescent beetle wing ear ornaments are not to be missed in the current exhibit
Art of Adornment: Tribal Beauty.
Photograph and quote by James Marshall.
All images and text under copyright. Please contact Collection Department for permission to use. Information subject to change with further research.
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