The Shamanism in Altai and Tuva from past to present: Universal and Local Aspects

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 happening around them. It has an elaborate structure in terms of existing in well-rounded communities. It has various features that have different aspects compared to the different times and conditions of the society. It also adopts local beliefs and the beliefs of the surrounding tribes. Shamanism allows everyone to have a religious concept and to have his or her own God or Gods. The technique of trance, also called «ecstasy», is an essential part. It is based on the worship of magic, curses, divination, polytheism, ancestral spirits and nature beings. Those who practice and teach shamanism are called Kam/Shaman. To some they 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 shamans because many of their characteristics are in opposition to other belief systems such as Confucianism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and communist ideology. In addition, the economic suffering caused by the constant blood sacrifices of the society who live on herding led to the emergence of Burhanism among the Altaians, another factor that weakened shamanism from within. Over time, shamanism acquired a status that the oppression of the shamans who led their communities sought to end. Despite all this, shamanism resisted the pressure and disguised itself when necessary. It always managed to update itself and has survived with some changes until today.

Keywords

• Shamanism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Burhanism, Communism, Oppressionviolence, Resistance