Yao Ritual Scroll

Description

This painting depicts the divine being Hoi Fan, identifiable by the dark serpent on which he stands. He is presiding over ordination rituals (the official act of making someone a priest), sounding a horn to summon spirit troops. Though he is shown with both feet bare, it is more common for him to wear a boot on one foot. On the left, postulants (probationary candidates) ascend the Sword Ladder, one of the rites undergone by Yao priests during their training. Hoi Fan places a foot on the ladder to show that he is both present at the ritual and a divine version of those undergoing the ritual. At the top of the Sword Ladder is the master, who leads the postulants through the process; he holds a horn and magic dagger to show that he is manifestation of Hoi Fan. In the bottom left corner is the Chief High Priest, holding a magic dagger and a vessel of purifying water; he too is a manifestation of Hoi Fan, who is depicted similarly in other paintings. He heads a line of musician-priests. At the foot of the ladder are the postulant’s wives.