Sumi Maidem Kakini
Maidem Kodom
2010
by Eric Whollem
copyright by the artist
The Shaman's Role in Society
SPIRIT OF THE DEER MAN
This faux postage stamp features detail of a painting done in natural
earth paints.
Depicted is the artist's version of Nem Sumi, or Big Deer, from the
Concow Maidu creation story.
A Shaman is a medicine man, or doctor. Among Native Americans
they are tribal leaders, healers, priests, clowns and entertainers.
Each shaman has his own special role in society.
The Grizzly Bear Doctors, however, worked in ways that were feared.
The Black Bear Doctors of the Maidu are the opposite: respected
healers.
Concow Maidu doctors are representative of the Kuksu Dream Religion.
The head shaman is called Yeponi.
ORIGIN OF THE WORD, SHAMAN
The English word 'shaman' comes from Central Asian cultures. In
Central Asia 'samana' is the term used. Today this term has general
useage around the world. The French writer, Mircea Eliade, wrote
a pivotal work entitled, 'Shamanism,' which describes Russian studies
of Central Asian cultures, such as the Chuckchee, the Yakut, the Buriat,
and other shamanically based societies of the Altai region.
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Readers interested in my posts on Shamanism should view this link:
For posts about Earth Paints see this link:
My posts about Kuksu can be seen here:
To see my general online posts of Artistamps view:
My articles on the Maidu Indians can be found here:
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Artist stamps, artistamps, cinderella stamps, cyberstamps, fantasy stamps, faux postage, mail art, micronation stamps. Shamanism. Maidu Indians. Earth paint.
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