"If we could amalgamate a priest, a lawyer, a chiropractor, a medical doctor, and a judge into a single entity, there would then exist and individual who could perform the tasks of an ancient shaman of the Lower Pecos.  This person did not choose to be a shaman, he or she was chosen, appointed, or called to be a shaman, and he or she practically always denied, refuted, or resisted this calling until a severe illness, usually to the point of death, fell upon this individual.  This is what made the person submit to the calling.  Duties and gifts then included the healing of the sick, the arbitration of disputes, and the making of restitution with The Great Spirits for those things taken from nature that fed and clothed the people.  The ancients believed that the shamans could transform themselves into different animals, thus the representation of deer, birds and feathers.  The shamans could enter different states of consciousness, thus the representations of those entering the dream world, or spirit journeys.  These symbols have been inspired by the wonderful artwork of the ancient Lower Pecos People."

Bill Worrell
July, 1994

This image has been found in petroglyphs in Siberia.  It is believed to be 13,000 years old.  It is also found on the Lower Pecos.  It is the oldest known symbol for the human soul.  I have transformed the bird into a raven because of it's spiritual significance with more recent American Indian Peoples.  I have portrayed the raven as effected by various human conditions, thus it is bound, in flight, or at rest.

The "Golden Ring of Forever"^TM

Represents infinity, non-endingness, completeness, regeneration, and the cyclic nature of the universe.

The "Magic Stick"

An accoutrement of the shamanistic arts.

The "Atlatl"

A spear thrower. A ridged sling.  Used with the spear, the dart, and the flint projectile point.

The "Cape"

A symbol of authority.  A symbol of the utilitarian use of the sacred whitetail deer.

"Shields"

Ritualistic, ceremonial, magical, defensive, display devices.

The "Shamaness"

A term of my own creation intended to glorify womanhood.  Most of my shamaness figures wear plumes about their heads, that they may soar to lofty heights, knowing no limits except those of the universe.