Introduction

Archaeological Excavation

Tsimshian Society and Culture

Shamanism
Curing Shamans
Fishing Shamans
War Shamans
Witches
Trade
Warfare
Wealth and Rank
Men's Activities
Women's Activities

Tsimshian Villages

Tsimshian Society and Culture

Shamanism

Among the Tsimshian, a shaman could be a man or woman endowed with special powers. Shamans specialized in one of the following areas: healing the sick, attracting fish or game, influencing the outcome of warfare, or predicting the weather. Shamans had psychic powers, enabling them to see events happening far away or to bring news of the future.

Shaman - CD94-633-003 - 71-5533 A Kispiox shaman.
 

Shamans usually served an apprenticeship to learn how to manipulate the natural and the supernatural forces that influenced people and events. They might also receive these powers through dreams or encounters with supernatural beings. Some individuals received these powers, even though they did not seek them.
 
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