5.2 Magic: Objects Associated with Practices reflecting confidence in the ability to manipulate supernatural agencies
Accession date:
1965
Context of use:
Wrapping for 1-157500 and 1-157713 (blades).
Department:
Native California (archaeology and ethnology)
Dimensions:
length 92 centimeters
Comment:
Remarks: The blades, one is a skinning knife, the other is a hide scraper, are stored in fresh water where water is rippling i.e. moving fast so power can't leave specimen. Used to poison a bear doctor or cure bear doctor's victim. Given to Tom Smith by rival female bear doctor after he cured her victim (she had mauled and then poisoned victim). Dr. Thomas from Lake County was hired to cure victim, but failed. Tom Smith called in, counteracted illness and she (bear doctor) had to give him part of her outfit to lessen her power. 1-157472-157500 and 1-157713-16 comprise outfit of Thomas Smith. Outfit was family heirloom. See accession envelope for additional information.