Northwest Coast Indian shamans were called upon to cure illness and bring
supernatural forces to the aid of their people. To do so, they went on
solitary wilderness quests where, through trance experiences, they formed
alliances with animal spirits. From this process they gained their powers
and the ability to communicate with the world beyond. Shamans of certain
tribes used art objects to depict the spirits with whom they had formed
such a bond. This antler pendant with abalone shell inlays shows a whale
spirit with a human on its back. It was worn suspended from the neck of
the practicing shaman.