For this project I conducted in-depth research around indigenous beliefs from around the world to understand the unique perspectives on the afterlife. I explored various creative avenues through detailed thumbnails and color mockups, striving to visually represent these sacred beliefs in a way that is both imaginative and deeply respectful.
In Siberian Shamanism beliefs, particularly the Selkup, the people had believed the person would dwell in a forest with bears before moving onto the permanent afterlife. They had also believed that a person has two souls. One being the shadow soul that may leave the body during sleep and take the form of a bee or butterfly. The other is the “breath” soul that provides life to human and animals. They believed that the life force was housed in the bones and organs, and treated each with great respect.
Hopi Native Americans believed in guardian spirits called kachinas. Kachinas are deified ancestral spirits that controlled the weather for the peoples. They would represent the kachinas as small dolls, or as a dancer for the ceremonial kachina dances. The peoples would perform the ceremonial dances, and call upon the kachinas in order to bring rain for their crops. After death, they believed that some spirits could turn into kachina and could help their descendants
Celtic afterlife believed in the Otherworld. The Otherworld was a realm with deities and ancestors. There was a Celtic belief of a destination called Tech Duinn. They believed that the souls of the dead would depart west over the sea towards the setting sun and would descend into the Otherworld. Tech Duinn was also believed to be where all souls of the dead gather before traveling to the Otherworld together, or stayed before being reincarnated.
Yoruba belief is deeply rooted in ancestor worship. They believe that the soul does not die, and can be reincarnated after death. There are five components to the composition of a human. The ara (body), the emi (soul), ori (destiny), ese (journey/path), and okan (heart or mind). The emphasis of their afterlife is placed more on the ori. The ori, or destiny, is what carries on with you after death. The ori bears your destiny and leads you through life, and chooses if you are ready to reincarnate again after death.
Indigenous Hawaiians believe in spirits called ‘aumakua. ‘Aumakua were deified ancestors and, or, family gods. After death the ‘aumakua would lead spirits to the afterlife. They are protective spirits that provide guidance and comfort to their families. If families do not have ‘aumakua the spirits are at risk of being led astray and falling into the underworld. If an ancestor's spirit was especially helpful, then they were then believed to turn into a family ‘aumakua after death.
Mayan civilization had the belief in an underworld called Xibalba. After death the spirit would be sent on a journey in order to determine where it will rest. The soul starts at the bottom of Xibalba. Xibalba was a horrendous place filled with demons, and trials meant to torture souls. Spirits had to ascend the nine levels of Xibalba, before they reached the middle world (Earth), and then ascend thirteen more levels before they reached Tamoanchan (paradise). If they reached the realm of the gods they would live out in the middle realm in eternal happiness.
Korean Shamanism dates back several centuries. The mudang, a female shaman, acts as a mediator between the spirit and the living. Korean shamanism was a spiritual way for families to communicate with their ancestors and the gods. Through the practice of gut (rituals) the mudang is able to solve familial problems and help the deceased pass peacefully to the afterlife. During the gut the mudang enters a state of trance through song and dance. She channels the god or ancestor through her body and communicates with the living.
Aboriginal Australians believed that the human soul was immortal. After death the person’s soul would go into the realm of Eternal Dreaming. In the realm they would reunite with their ancestors, spirits and their gods. They would be put back into the cycle and possibly be reborn again. Deceased spirits join their ancestors in the Dreamtime and contribute to their living descendants' understanding of the world.