Hmong Shaman Tools
This is not the typical post. Before becoming a shaman, I didn't even know what the tools were called nor what they were used for. So I want to provide some clarity on what they're called and what they're used for. This information was taken from a variety of sites. Some of these photos I do not own and they are not mine.
1. Shaman's Altar: Thaj Neeb | tah - neng
Every Hmong Shaman has an altar. They do not all look the same. Shaman's can not perform without an altar. It is what provides a home for the shaman spirits and ancestors. When a shaman is just starting, their altar will be a lot smaller. Once that shaman performs and has practiced for about a year, their master or xib fwb will come to raise it off the ground. After a few years or until they have mastered ceremonies, their xib fwb will then come back again and officially raise their altar to the right size, as shown in the image.
2. Divine Horns: Kuam | k-ua
The Divine Horns or the Kuam is necessary for a Hmong Shaman. A Hmong Shaman can not perform without two pairs (sometimes more) of these Divine Horns. These Divine Horns are horns from a bull or buffalo. Some horns may be made from wood. These horns are used to answer questions that the shaman asks. These horns only answer yes or no questions.
3. Shaman Gong: Nraus Neeb | dua-neng
Every Hmong Shaman must have a nraus neeb or shaman gong. This is used when the shaman is transitioning and in a trance at the beginning of their ceremony. This is also used during parts of their trance if the shaman comes across other lost spirits. This is a crucial instrument that is used to warn off spirits that that shaman might come across. The sound of the gong sends a message to the shaman ancestors that the shaman is on its way from this world to theirs. Every shaman has a different gong and tone. Each shaman picks their own gong. The gong must be tied with red, white, or black string and is typically bronze (the nraus neeb above is the one I use).
4. Shaman Horse/Bench: Rooj Neeb | do-ong; neng
Every Hmong Shaman MUST have a rooj neeb. It is what takes them to the spirit world and back. Without their rooj neeb, it is impossible or very challenging to travel. No two shaman's will have the exact same bench. Some are longer, more flexible; while others (like mine) are more sturdy. The longer more flexible tables are typically used by shamans who are "jumpers." They jump high, often from the ground back to the bench. Some will even crawl underneath the bench and jump back up. Other shamans, like myself, have a shorter more sturdy bench. These are not flexible and are often used by shamans who stomp hard. I like to call us "stompers" (made up this term). Shamans either go in their trance standing up, sitting down, or both. The bench or rooj neeb is often referred to as the shaman's "horse."
5. Finger Bells: Tswb Neeb | churh-neeb
Hmong Shamans use these finger bells or tswb neeb in a variety of ways. They use this to travel into the spirit world, heal people, and/or fight off evil and lost spirits. These tswb neeb can also tell the shaman's assistant if the shaman was able to heal and/or bring back the sick individual for whom they are doing the ceremony for. When in a trance, the shaman will throw these bells off their fingers to the ground and their assistant can read if the soul was able to come back with the shaman. Hmong Shamans have at least four of these. They are often tied with red or white strings, sometimes both. No two bells sound the same. The shaman picks their own bells.
6. Shaman Rattle: Txiab Neeb | tsia - neng
The tsiab neeb is a loud instrument the Hmong Shaman uses during a ceremony. Some will hold onto this for their entire ceremony, and others will request their assistant to put it in their hand while in the spirit world. It is tied with red or white string, sometimes both. These vary in many sizes. This is used to fight off spirits and also used as a document; helping the shaman hold everything together in one place.
7. Shaman's Veil: Thiv Haus | tee-how
The Shaman's Veil is what you see on my head. It is a piece of cloth used to cover the shaman's head and face as they enter the spirit world. These veils come in all sorts of sizes and length. Hmong Shaman's either have a red or black veil, depending on who their master is and what type of shaman line they are. As in the photo, my xib fwb or master wears a black veil, so it must be passed down to me as well. This veil can only be given from the shaman's master once they officially become a shaman. This veil is to be used for the rest of the shaman's life or until it is ripped or worn out. Then, the shaman or their partner must is responsible to make a new one.
8. Shaman's Sword: Ntab Neeb | da-neng
This is a Hmong Shaman's sword (sorry for the bad quality). This sword is generally only used to help the shaman when they come across evil or lost souls and spirits. They will use this sword to fight off any evil energy or forces that they come across. It is typically tied with red string/cloth. There are many shapes and sizes of a Hmong Shaman Sword.
9. Shaman Bridge: Choj Neeb | choh-neng
The Shaman bridge is the long black cloth and yarn/string you see behind this shaman (this photo was taken from a video on youtube, sorry I couldn't really find a clear image. It is NOT me). This is typically made out of bamboo, yarn, and cloth. This is placed in the shaman's home where the altar is located. It extend from the shaman's altar to the front door of the house. This is a bridge that connects the shaman to the spirit world. It is the bridge that the ancestors and shaman both use to connect to each other. When the shaman is in a trance or performing a ceremony, this bridge is what will bring them to their destination.
10. Ntawv Nyiaj (Shaman paper or Money)
Shamans and Hmong people who still practice shamanism use joss paper to cut out money. Money is burned for the dead, the spirits, the souls, and ancestors. Each shaman uses a certain amount of joss paper during their ceremony for a variety of reasons. Joss paper can also be used to make protection gates or little protection guardians.