Cedar, wool fabric, mother-of-pearl buttons, paint
4 ft x 15 ft
©1987 Bill & Clarissa Hudson

We made this piece for Southeast  Alaska Regional Health Corporation when they were dedicating their new Native health clinic in Juneau, Alaska.  SEARHC was, at that time, just beginning to explore ways to incorporating traditional Tlingit Indian healing practices, such as were performed by the village shaman healers, into their modern clinical proceedures.

Bill's cedar carving in the center represents the Shaman, his patient, and the journey into the "spirit world."  Clarissa's 15 ft. fabric panel, behind the carving, shows the animal Spirit Guides who will lead the Shaman to the information he needs to bring healing to the patient.