Shaman of Dürrenberg

In my reenactment of the Bad Dürrenberg shaman, I began by crafting a foundational headpiece using thicker leather, later covered with thinner layers. Placing deer and bison teeth in front of it proved challenging, as I aimed to create an arrangement that not only covered my eyes but also captivated visual interest. Securing them in place involved using a combination of hemp and sinew.
On the sides of the headpiece, I strategically positioned large boar teeth with smaller perforated boar tusks at their tips, enhancing the arrangement with bone pearls. Additionally, the headpiece features a fox hide and an antler similar to the one found in the original grave. Feathers were also incorporated to the ensemble.
The accompanying necklace comprises a single shell adorned with bison and boar teeth. For the face paint, I opted for a mixture of my own blood and red ochre. While this might be unsettling to some, it was essential for me to authentically immerse myself in the role. Authenticity is crucial to me as I find it challenging to portray a role convincingly if it feels forced. To align with the discovery of the Bad Dürrenberg shaman's skeleton, where her two upper front teeth were pierced to the ground, I painted two large strokes on my mouth. This interpretation reflects my personal connection to the role, evoking a sense of naturalness and resonance with the historical context.