Fan Item Number: Ed1.284 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A closing fan made of 29 split bamboo ribs and paper. Painted designs are 7 repeated stylized human figures; white to shoulders, red robes, mitred white hats with large star at top. On each side of figures is a stylized lotus with blue leaves, on a yellow background. Border of white with pink and blue broken ribbons along top and bottom of paper. Two lanterns.
History Of Use
Used by female shamans during rituals. Usually shamans are female elders or professionals. The shaman provides a link between the client and the family ancestral and household gods. When she performs a ritual or kut she is called a mansin. Kuts are held for such purposes as exorcising evil spirits during illness or at death; also for fortune and procreation of a son. Kuts are usually held on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month and may either be a family or a community affair.
Cultural Context
shamanism;ritual;kut
Iconographic Meaning
The seven figures represent the seven star gods. White is the colour of death and represents ancestors. The lotus is a symbol of the seventh month and of female genius.
Item History
- Made in Korea
- Owned by Hi Soon Kim before June 21, 1983
- Received from Hi Soon Kim (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) on June 21, 1983
What
Who
- Culture
- Korean
- Previous Owner
- Hi Soon Kim
- Received from
- Hi Soon Kim (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Korea
When
- Ownership Date
- before June 21, 1983
- Acquisition Date
- on June 21, 1983
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 77
- Accession Number
- 0894/0010