shamanism [no pics]

the expression shamanism itself stems from the language of the Tungus of Siberia and means “the one who knows”. shamanist practices are derived from animist believes: the shaman is the one who has the capacity to enter into a trance and thus to communicate with the world of the spirits. repressed during the soviet period, shamanism is re-appearing also in mongolia. mainly ethnic Buriats but also Tsaatan practice shamanism (as they do in siberia across the border in russia).

shamans can be either women or men; it is also not necessarily inherited. the rituals are extremely codified and, when in trance, allows for communication with spirits of human beings and of animals.

although the Mongolians are, to a great majority, of buddhist belief, they are also very attached to their shamanist practices (the two do not exclude each other), as is demonstrated by the great many övöös in the country.