Occasionally an object emerges from mists of the past, as if by its own volition, to challenge our senses and strike deeply into our psyche. In an increasingly mass produced world, where uniformity is admired, an object such as this extraordinary vessel stands out even more clearly and dramatically as something beyond this world; yet curiously relevant to the untapped realms which lie within each of us. Are these realms accessible? Are they so arcane as to be beyond our reach? To stand in front of this powerful sorceress and look into her eyes may mark the beginning of answering these questions. She is in the full throes of a trance, in contact with spiritual beings or witnessing unimaginable sights, reflected in her astonishing black eyes and widened pupils. Ornamented in full regalia, with a necklace of stone or perhaps pearl, dangling earrings, and a fabulous headdress much like a crown, she is prepared to meet otherworldly forces with determination and defiance. Shamans were often hired by a client to intercede for them with spirits on a variety of issues- from the proper time to plant and harvest crops, when to marry, communication with the dead, and on matters of fertility. A shaman was highly trained, very observant and possessed a wide knowledge of the fauna and flora of their region. In addition, they would have been remarkable in appearance, sometimes with deformities such as a hunchback, or other attributes that would have been accentuated to impress and amaze. The artist who created this vessel understood the awe-inspiring nature of the shaman, and has left a visible record of a woman who once worked great magic. Even after centuries she still touches an aspect in ourselves, opening a window into life's enigma, of who we are and where we have come from.