The Pluralism Project at Harvard University
Maribel Valencia Castillo
Harvard Divinity School
Hmong Shamans: A Journey to the Spirit World
Merced, CA
Hmong Shamanism in Merced, California
Photos by Project Affiliate Maribel Castillo
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Shaman's Altar – usually containing candles, flowers, paper money, rice-bowls or other things that the spirits may like. |
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Set of Buffalo Horns used to make a diagnosis. The shaman throws them on the ground and depending on the position they fall they will tell the shaman what to do to help the afflicted person – a sacrifice, or ceremony, or both. |
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Gong (nruas neeb) – Used during ceremony to initiate trance. |
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Bell ring (consists of a set of two, one for each hand) used during a ceremony. Bell rings are put on fingers of both hands. The shaman shakes them in preparation to enter the spirit world, while another person assisting him/her hits the Gong and at the instructions of the shaman, stops hitting it – this varies depending on the shaman. |