The Shamanism in Altai and Tuva from past to present: Universal and Local Aspects
Turkic Studies Journal June 22, 2022 DOI: 10.32523/2664-5157-2022-2-22-34 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Historical analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Shamanism |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key points | Argues that shamanism is a culturally constructed system centered on trance and diverse spiritual practices, and that despite external suppression by major religions and communist ideology, as well as internal weakening from economic strain and the rise of Burhanism among the Altaians, it has adapted and survived to the present. |
Abstract
Shamanism is a system composed of various elements of culture and belief,created by people to understand life and come to grips with what is happeningaround them. It has an elaborate structure in terms of existing in well-roundedcommunities. It has various features that have different aspects compared tothe different times and conditions of the society. It also adopts local beliefsand the beliefs of the surrounding tribes. Shamanism allows everyone to havea religious concept and to have his or her own God or Gods. The techniqueof trance, also called «ecstasy», is an essential part. It is based on the worshipof magic, curses, divination, polytheism, ancestral spirits and nature beings.Those who practice and teach shamanism are called Kam/Shaman. To somethey are magicians, witch doctors, illusionists and to others they are oracles,doctors, sages, philosophers, pagan priests, fortunetellers and storytellers.Attempts have been made to either control or abolish shamanism and shamansbecause many of their characteristics are in opposition to other belief systemssuch as Confucianism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and communist ideology.In addition, the economic suffering caused by the constant blood sacrifices ofthe society who live on herding led to the emergence of Burhanism among theAltaians, another factor that weakened shamanism from within. Over time,shamanism acquired a status that the oppression of the shamans who led theircommunities sought to end. Despite all this, shamanism resisted the pressureand disguised itself when necessary. It always managed to update itself and hassurvived with some changes until today.