black and white photo of man in center of room holding bowl; pig on floor in plastic bag; people seated around room

%C2%A9 Wing Young Huie

Hmong Shaman, Frogtown, 1994

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The central figure in this photograph is a Hmong shaman at a home in Frogtown, St. Paul, performing a ceremony with no need for special dress, as his ceremonies are incorporated into the Hmong people's everyday lives and needs. The following text accompanies this photo from Wing Young Huie's published Frogtown photographs:

"In Hmong culture we believe that sometimes our good spirits have become lost. That's why people get sick. It is the shaman that calls the spirit back. … During the ceremony the shaman calls the Magic power. When it comes, the shaman and the power will start shaking and chanting. The shaman gives the Magic power instructions on what to do. It's just like giving a computer instructions."

Details
Title
Hmong Shaman, Frogtown
Artist Life
born 1955
Role
Photographer
Accession Number
98.228.8
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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black and white photo of man in center of room holding bowl; pig on floor in plastic bag; people seated around room

© Wing Young Huie