Producer unknown to us
Spirit Figure “Sulain”
Asia, Russia, Nanayskiy Rayon
End of 19th century
Wood; carved
Context of acquisition unknown to us
Purchased by the museum from J. F. G. Umlauff (ethnographic dealership) in 1900
NAs 438
Many people in the Amur 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. A shaman acts as a mediator, attempting to contact the appropriate spirits to resolve issues for the affected individual.
This ”Sulain” spirit figure is carved from wood and covered with bear fur. However, the original fur has since worn away. It is understood as a vessel for the spirit it contains. Such figures were typically stored near the house, regularly offered food as part of household rituals, and invoked during times of need, such as illness. The creation of such figures followed the detailed descriptions given by shamans who encountered these spirits in their dreams.
In 1900, 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