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Native American costume, medicine men
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Native American costume, medicine men
Native American Indian, three medicine men, two with masks and masquerade dresses, and one man dressed as a bird. When men die, the all but universal belief among the Indians of the north-west coast is, that they go into birds - a sort of transmigration of souls
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Media ID 14306401
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Beliefs Dressed Dresses Feathered Feathers Mask Masks Snake Tradition Traditions Paranormal Racial
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative and intriguing photograph, three Native American medicine men are depicted in their traditional attire, each embodying the rich spiritual beliefs and customs of their tribe. Two of the men wear elaborate masks and masquerade dresses adorned with vibrant feathers and intricate patterns, while the third man is dressed as a bird, his body covered in feathers and his face painted to resemble avian features. The Native American tribes of the north-west coast held a deep-rooted belief that upon death, the soul would transform into a bird, allowing for a continuation of life in a spiritual realm. This belief, known as "transmigration of souls," was an essential aspect of their culture and traditions. The medicine men in this photograph are not only dressed for spiritual ceremonies but also serve as healers and spiritual guides within their communities. Their masks and masquerades were believed to possess supernatural powers, allowing them to communicate with the spirit world and bring about healing and protection. The snake-like headdress on one of the masked men represents the power and renewal associated with the serpent, while the bird costume of the third man symbolizes the transformation and rebirth that occurs during the transition from this world to the next. The intricate details of their costumes, the vibrant colors, and the expressive masks all serve to highlight the deep connection these men have with the natural world and the spiritual realm. This photograph offers a rare glimpse into the rich and complex spiritual traditions of Native American tribes, providing a window into a world where the natural and supernatural are intertwined, and the cycle of life and death is celebrated with reverence and awe.
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