The History Of Soul Catchers

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The Pacific Northwest American Indians have a rich cultural history which includes the use of soul catchers. These handmade devices were most heavily used by Shamans or the healers of the group to address chronic illness. A part of the cultural belief is that an individual becomes ill when the spirit has left the body.

The medicinal approach of herbs would not always care for the health problems an individual suffered, these situations would often then be viewed as a problem with the ethereal body not being present. It would then fall to the Shaman to find and return the wandering soul. Once the ethereal body was returned, the individual would heal.

According to their beliefs there are a few ways the body can be separated from the spirit. Getting lost during a dream, being scared from the body, or enchanted out with witchcraft are the methods that are accepted. It is believed that there are other worlds the ethereal body may travel.

The leg bone of an animal is cut and hollowed to make this mystical instrument. The open ends of the piece are carved in the shape of an animal, like a bear, with teh mouth completely open. One end of the device is used to suck the spirit into the instrument and once this is done the other end is stuffed with cedar shaving to hold the body within. The Shaman would then blow the spirit back into the sick person.

Occasionally it was believed that a person was ill because there was a malevolent being causing the issue. A Shaman would still use this same instrument, except to suck out the ethereal being. These can be found as a necklace to promote well-being.

The UW has one of the most highly known soul catchers as a logo for their school. The designs can be found as jewelry or larger displays. While these were first created from bone, they can now be found made from wood, metal, ceramic and other materials. Soul Catchers

Learn more here: Soul Catchers

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MLA Style Citation:
Gordon, Hannah "The History Of Soul Catchers." The History Of Soul Catchers. 8 Feb. 2012. uberarticles.com. 7 Apr 2012 <http://uberarticles.com/arts-and-entertainment/the-history-of-soul-catchers/>.

APA Style Citation:
Gordon, H (2012, February 8). The History Of Soul Catchers. Retrieved April 7, 2012, from http://uberarticles.com/arts-and-entertainment/the-history-of-soul-catchers/

Chicago Style Citation:
Gordon, Hannah "The History Of Soul Catchers" uberarticles.com. http://uberarticles.com/arts-and-entertainment/the-history-of-soul-catchers/

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