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PLATE LXIV.
A BRATZKIAN SCHAMAN,
OR FEMALE MAGICIAN.
T o these impostors the Bratzkiye have recourse on all occasions,
especially when suffering under disease, or stimulated by a desire to
penetrate into tlie secrets of futurity. The women, who pretend to
this art, are clothed during the ceremony in a leathern dress, decorated
with a number of small pieces of iron. From the shoulders, reaching
to the ground, several party-coloured straps are fastened, intended to
represent serpents (noutchal), one of which terminates in three thongs,
and is called mogoi. This last is considered to be of great importance,
for without it the magical habit would not be complete. The cap is
principally formed of a casque of iron.
The Schaman also, as with other nations who have faith in similar
superstitions, carries a sort of magical tambourine; and when a solemn
incantation is to be performed, eight other assistants must attend, each
bearing a tambourine. During the in^'ocation, these are beaten, and
the magician shrieks, and utters imprecations, which are loudlr
repeatetl by the assistants, who, with the tambourines, form a circle
around lier. She then attempts to escape, but is prevented; and at
length, after violent gesticulations, convulsions, and apparent efforts to
seize t!ie spirits supposed to be hovering about her, she assumes an air
of gaiety, and declares herself ready to answer any questions. When
these are proposed, she chants in a sort of playful manner, and
commonly gi\-es flattering or ambiguous answers.