Monday, April 26, 2010

Siberian Shaman


"This Yakut winter spirit is akin to the Russian Grandfather Frost. Bull of Frost resides in the coldest part of Siberia and is a representation of the Mammoth according to Yakutian shaman traditions. His robes are adorned with traditional tribal patterns and beads in addition to seasonal snowflakes.

In ancient Yakut folklore, the Mammoth is a subterranean creature that breaks thick winter ice with his horns, and these horns are represented in this costume as part of the headdress. Because of their presumed underground dealings Mammoths were also associated with the world of the dead, the realm in which shamans ruled. Shamans communed with Mammoth spirits in rituals and immortalized them in art and amulets which are found in Siberia and Russia even in present day"

source: pwh.freeblog.hu


1 comment:

  1. i have a new goal in life...i will be the next winter spirit grandfather frost

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