Beau Dick Kwakwaka’wakw, Musgamakw Dzawada’enuxw First Nation, 1955-2017
Soul Catcher Bronze, c. 2004
Bronze, ed. 7/12
10 x 37 x 4 inches
25.4 x 94 x 10.2 cm
25.4 x 94 x 10.2 cm
Edition of 12
Reserved
Soul catchers are objects used by Northwest Coast shamans during healing rituals to affect displacements of spirit and supernatural power through various techniques. Shamans would suck an infected person’s soul...
Soul catchers are objects used by Northwest Coast shamans during healing rituals to affect displacements of spirit and supernatural power through various techniques. Shamans would suck an infected person’s soul into a soul catcher, cleanse the captured soul, and return it in a healthy state to the patient. Soul catchers were often carved in the likeness of powerful beings. Orcas are a common motif because of their close association with humans and the widespread belief that they are the reincarnations of important chiefs.
Exhibitions
Beau Dick: Revolutionary Spirit, Audain Art Museum, Whistler, BC, Mar 30 - June 11, 2018Publications
Martens, Darrin J. Beau Dick: Revolutionary Spirit. 2018. Figure 1 Publishing.