|
| |
|
|
| |
Shadow Shaman, Cedar Springs |
|
| |
|
|
| |
The reproduction rights for this image belong to Jim Zintgraff.
It may not be reproduced without written permission.
|
| |
| Few of the Pecos River shamans are shown in profile but here the artist used versatility to illustrate the subtle shamanistic concept of duality -- the split between body and spirit that the shaman transcends during his trance state. The foreground figure is red; energy and power crackle from his outstretched hands. Red and black hairs stand electrified along his spine and his bent legs contribute to the feeling of forcefulness. Directly behind him largely obscured from view, is his twin -- visible as two arms, painted black and gold, paralleling but beneath the frontal image. Streamers in the same color float from three areas of his backbone, confirming his presence. The concept of duality underlies much of the shamanic art of the Lower Pecos; this is but one of the forms it takes. The red figure flying horizontally above the Shadow Shaman is of interest -- it appears everywhere -- north, south, east, and west -- outnumbering any other single motif but its meaning remains unclear. Its distinguishing feature is the two parallel lines that form a long neck-like appendage, extending from a fuzzy or furry body. Although its interpretation is open to question, it was clearly an important motif whose significance was understood by viewers all over the Lower Pecos region. |
| |
 |
|
|
|
