Photo Gallery

The shamans of the Northwest Coast utilized charms in their healing ceremonies. They were usually carved of bone or ivory in the form of a guardian spirit. The charms were either sewn on to clothing or worn around the neck. These little pelicari figurines, attached to one another with a leather thong, form a rare charm which is considered to be quite old. It is made of bone and decorated with haliotis inlays. It was collected from the Tsimshian during the last century. (7 cm; NMM)
NMM = National Museum of Man, Ottawa

Another shaman charm, which was collected fully 100 years ago from the Niska on the Nass River. Carved of bone, it represents a salmon. (9 cm, NMM)
NMM = National Museum of Man, Ottawa

These women sell their fish at a market in the Rimac neighbourhood of Lima. The pelicans are waiting to get their hands on a bite. - Peru - Lima - 1969