Three rare Siberian Yakut guardian spirit masks 19th century | 十九世紀 西伯利亞雅庫特金屬面具三件

A Russian private collection, collected by a Rodionov Moscow in the field in the 1920s.
Finch and Co., London, 2018.
俄羅斯私人收藏，1920年代由莫斯科 Rodionov 族人搜獲
Finch and Co，倫敦，2018年

Talismen & Totems, Catalogue No. 30, Finch and Co., London, 2018, cat. no. 6.
《Talismen & Totems, Catalogue No. 30》，Finch and Co，倫敦，2018年，編號6

The Siberian Yakut shamans were one of Russia’s most prominent indigenous groups, as recognized by their neighbors the Evenki, for their metal smelting and smithing abilities. Elaborately sewn with ivory, wood, and some of the rarest and most valuable metals, these ritual garments and regalia embodied mystic power and enhanced both the Yakut and Evenki shamans’ authority, safeguarding their journeys to the spirit world. They also wore coats that were made of cured wild reindeer skin and metal ornaments as an armour to ward off evil spirits. In particular, the masks completed this set of costumes with special veneration, as they were believed to carry the soul of the shaman’s ancestors and guardian spirits.

Siberia sits in far Northern Russia, infamous for its extreme climate that renders it inhospitable for many but the shamans, who interfaced with the spirits and entreated them for success in hunting, healing, and augury. They were highly respected. Not only were they served with the best food, but were also given a place of honour in the house. They were usually paid between one and four reindeer to perform important rituals for the more opulent families.