int gidigaa oots’n (Soul Catcher)
About this object
History of use
Soul catchers were used by a shaman to capture and return souls that had left the body, thus causing illness. Originally cedar bark plugs were used in the openings at either end to contain the spirits or souls, that had been captured to return to a host.
Narrative
According to Burnett this item, as well as A146, A149-A153, A155-A157, "...belonged to the late Medicine Man Najieksum Illthpooen (the tail of the whale), of the Kityelash tribe, the people who live by the strong water, Port Essington District ... and was purchased from his widow by the Methodist Missionary of that district."
Cultural context
doctor's charm
Physical description
Five bone soul catchers strung together on a string, carved with both ends open, and stained with red ochre.
Materials
Date Made
Before 1927
Date Acquired
1927
How Acquired
Donated
Credit Line
Measurements
Overall: 20 cm x 8.7 cm x 1.7 cm
image: 18.8 cm x 7.8 cm x 1.7 cm
Object Number
A150