Producer unknown to us
Spirit Figure
Asia, Russia, Amur area
Before 1900
Wood; carved
Context of acquisition unknown to us
Purchased by the museum from J. F. G. Umlauff (ethnographic dealership) in 1904
NAs 1484
Many people in the Nanai region believe the world is divided into different realms, inhabited by benevolent and evil spirits as well as hybrid beings. Humans dwell in the middle realm. These realms influence one another, and daily life—particularly interactions with spirits—is shaped by numerous rules of conduct and taboos. Spirits, for example, can cause illness.
Shamans acted as intermediaries between the human community and the spirit world. During their journeys to the afterlife and in contact with spirits, shamans are guided by protective and helpful spirits who serve as leaders, “bodyguards,” and advisors. These spirits possess extraordinary knowledge and power and appear in both human and animal forms. Depending on the situation, they can often transform as well. Additionally, they act as transport for the shaman on their journeys. The protective and helpful spirits choose the shaman, place themselves at their service, and establish a bond of friendship with them. The more protective and helpful spirits a shaman has, the stronger and wiser they are considered. At the same time, the shaman is also dependent on the favor of the spirits and must fulfill their demands.
The wooden figure on display here represents a shaman's helper spirit. It is understood to be a vessel for the spirit to inhabit and was crafted according to detailed descriptions provided by the shamans, to whom the spirit appeared in their dreams. The figure consists of two intertwined figures connected at the back and adorned with mystical motifs.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the museum acquired an extensive collection of objects from the Amur region—including these spirit figures—from Heinrich C. Umlauff, a Hamburg-based dealer in natural history and ethnographic items. A key influence on the young Heinrich was his uncle, Carl Hagenbeck, the well-known animal dealer, zoo director, and organizer of the so-called “human zoos.” Heinrich initially took over the ethnographic part of the business and, eventually, the entire family firm. From Hamburg, which had become a center for the trade in natural history and ethnographic objects in the second half of the 19th century, Heinrich and other dealers, such as Godeffroy, supplied many renowned museums around the world.
Marita Andó, Irma Schubert