Home > Animals > Birds > Accipitriformes > Accipitridae > Indian Vulture
Bribri Indian Shaman & Conical House, Costa Rica
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Bribri Indian Shaman & Conical House, Costa Rica
The Head Shaman of the Bribri People of the Talamanca Province, Costa Rica - pictured in front of the Conical House. The Bribri spiritual practice is centred on the conical house. These structures can be found in many Amazonian groups belonging to the Macro-chibchan language family. The conical house is a symbolic representation of the universe. It is supported by eight pilars symbolizing the animals that helped Sibu construct the Universe. The house has four levels representing the four levels of the world, being the ground level the plane we inhabit. On the second level dwell the spirits of plants and animals, and the owners of the rivers, this is where Sibus helpers live. On the third level of the universe live the spirits who cause disease and suffering and descend periodically to cause grief on earth. The final and highest level of the conical house is where Sibu, accompanied by his helper the king of vultures lives. In this same level live the most malignant spirits as well. The Bribri explanation for this is that Sibu keeps them enclosed there, like a warden keeps the inmates in a prison. There are also three other levels beneath the world we inhabit. One of them is the place where Bribri souls go after death. Date: circa 1910s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 11553380
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Belief Beliefs Conical Costa Indians Levels Population Representation Rica Rican Ruler Shaman Spirit Spirits Thatch Thatched Universe Talamanca
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Birds
> Accipitriformes
> Accipitridae
> Indian Vulture
> Animals
> Birds
> Accipitriformes
> Vultures
> King Vulture
> North America
> Costa Rica
> Related Images
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph, the enigmatic figure of the Bribri Head Shaman stands proudly in front of a traditional conical house, nestled within the lush greenery of the Talamanca Province in Costa Rica. Belonging to the Macro-chibchan language family, the Bribri people are an indigenous community known for their deep spiritual connection to their environment and ancestral traditions. The conical house, a symbolic representation of the universe, is a central aspect of Bribri spirituality. This architectural marvel is supported by eight pillars, each representing the animals that helped the Creator, Sibu, construct the Universe. The house boasts four levels, reflecting the four levels of the world. The ground level corresponds to the plane we inhabit, while the second level is home to the spirits of plants and animals, as well as the owners of the rivers, where Sibu's helpers reside. The third level of the universe houses the spirits who cause disease and suffering, which periodically descend to bring grief to the earth. The final and highest level is where Sibu, accompanied by his helper, the king of vultures, lives. This level also harbors the most malignant spirits, kept enclosed there, like a warden in a prison, by Sibu. Beneath the world we inhabit, there are three other levels. One of them is the place where Bribri souls go after death. This photograph, captured in the 1910s, offers a rare glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs of the Bribri people, providing a window into their unique and fascinating world.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
