The use of fetishistic beliefs in shamanism (based on the example of the Southwestern Fergana Valley)

Fetishistic beliefs in the shamanism of Kyrgyz people in the southwestern Fergana Valley remain understudied in Kyrgyz ethnography despite their importance. These beliefs persist in syncretism with Islam and are widely applied in traditional culture. Reverence for fetish objects—such as whips, prayer beads, and knives used by shamans (bakshi)—constitutes a key ritual; these items are regarded as sacred and possessing special power. Shamans also use water, fire, salt, knots, graveyard soil, needles, holy sites, and both “white” and “black” magic. Analysis of these practices reveals features of Kyrgyz ethnoculture.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This article examines research related to the use of fetishistic beliefs in the shamanism of the Kyrgyz people in the southwestern part of the Fergana Valley. Such beliefs have not been extensively and deeply studied within Kyrgyz ethnography, despite being an important issue. To study fetishistic beliefs and the sacrality of various fetish objects used in shamanic practices based on elements of fetishism. Currently, fetishistic ideas in shamanism continue to exist in syncretism with Islam and are widely applied by the population in Kyrgyz traditional culture. It has been found that reverence for fetish objects and respect for them constitute one of the most important rituals. The study primarily utilized theoretical and empirical research methods to investigate fetishistic beliefs in shamanism. Items used by the shamans (bakshi) - such as whips, prayer beads, and knives - are regarded as sacred and possessing special power. In their practices, they also use water, fire, salt, knots, graveyard soil, needles, holy sites for worship, as well as both “white” and “black” magic. Through analyzing the application of fetishistic beliefs in Kyrgyz shamanism in the southwestern Fergana Valley, the study revealed features of their ethnoculture.