The revitalisation of Mongolian shamanism: Tradition, restitution, new approaches
Galaarid Badam-Ochir
Etnografia. Praktyki, Teorie, Doświadczenia December 16, 2024 DOI: 10.26881/etno.2024.10.02 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Historical analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Shamanism |
| Key points | Argues that Mongolian shamanism has shown a remarkable ability to re-emerge after a prolonged period of decline, shaped by unique local traditions and the post-socialist religious liberalization. |
Abstract
Since the collapse of the socialist system in the past 30 years, Mongolia has transitioned from an atheist state to one where multiple religions – such as Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam – coexist freely, with no restrictions on freedom of belief. This transformationhas also spurred the revival of shamanism, the indigenous religion of the Mongols. Despite its tragic history, Mongolian shamanism, shaped by unique local traditions, has shown a remarkable ability to re-emerge after a prolonged period of decline. The articleaims to explore the factors behind the centuries-long decline of Mongolian shamanism, the influences that facilitated its revival, and the process of institutionalization it has undergone. Furthermore, it examines the emerging trends in the study of Mongolian shamanism and the interplay of traditional and innovative elements in its revival.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on shamanism, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayahuasca Shamanism in the Amazon and Beyond | 2014 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Shamanism as the Original Neurotheology | 2004 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Cognitive Neuroscience, Shamanism and the Rock Art of Native California | 1998 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| From Culture to Experience: Shamanism in the Pages of the Soviet Anti-Religious Press | 2020 | Historical analysis | |
| Anthropology, Shamanism, and Alternate Ways of Knowing–Being in the World: One Anthropologist's Journey of Discovery and Transformation | 2010 | Reflective essay or personal narrative |