Propitiation
Why is it that Shaman always seem a little shady? Is it the fact that silver must cross their palm? Is it the fact that sometimes they are inebriated? Or as this man is, puffing on a cheroot? I feel a lack of dignity, a sense of avarice, just plain old creepiness. But maybe that is just me. I’m an outsider and don’t understand what is happening. Maybe that in itself makes me uneasy.
The person who had consulted this shaman left (seemingly satisfied) after giving him some money which you can see he is tucking into the turban of the Buddha. I was thinking, “he’ll retrieve that money when we leave.” Maybe that is the way. It is sort of a loan to the Buddha. He can’t spend it and the shaman can.