Overview of Siberian shamanism
Siberian shamanism refers to the spiritual traditions of Indigenous peoples across Siberia, including the Evenks, Buryats, Tuvans, Yakuts, Khakas, Nenets and Chukchi. The word shaman itself comes from the Evenki language and entered European languages through Russian accounts. In these traditions the shaman is a person chosen by spirits, often after illness or visionary experience, who can travel between worlds to heal, guide souls, find game and restore balance between the community and spirit beings.
Siberian cosmology usually describes an upper world, a middle world where humans live and a lower world, linked by a world tree or river. Shamans use drums, often decorated with symbolic images, along with costumes adorned with metal pendants, feathers and ribbons, to enter trance and journey on behalf of others. Animals such as reindeer, bears, eagles and ravens hold great spiritual importance, and hunting, herding and fishing are surrounded by rituals of respect.
Soviet policies persecuted shamans and suppressed their practices for decades, but since the 1990s Siberian shamanism has experienced a vigorous revival. In Tuva, Buryatia and Sakha, shamanic associations and clinics serve local people, and rituals are held at sacred sites. Travelers to Lake Baikal, the Altai Mountains or Tuva can respectfully learn about these traditions, often through community guides, museums and cultural centers that explain their meaning and history. Patience and humility matter most.
Core beliefs
- The world has several layers connected by a cosmic tree or river.
- Spirits inhabit animals, mountains, waters and the sky.
- Shamans are chosen by spirits and can travel between worlds.
- Illness and misfortune may result from lost souls or offended spirits.
- Animals must be hunted and treated with respect and gratitude.
- Ancestors continue to influence the living.
Practices and worship
- Drumming and trance rituals led by shamans.
- Offerings of food, milk and tobacco to local spirits.
- Healing ceremonies and soul retrieval.
- Tying ribbons to sacred trees and poles.
- Rituals to honor animals after hunting.
Pilgrimage in Siberian shamanism
Lake Baikal, considered sacred by Buryats and other peoples, is the most famous destination for spiritual travelers in Siberia. Shaman Rock on Olkhon Island is one of the region's holiest places. In Tuva, the capital Kyzyl hosts shamanic centers, and sacred springs called arzhaan dot the landscape. The Altai Mountains, including Mount Belukha and the Ukok Plateau, hold deep spiritual meaning for Altaians. Travelers should arrange visits through local guides who can explain proper conduct.
Major festivals
| Festival | When | About |
|---|---|---|
| Shagaa | Lunar New Year, January or February | The Tuvan New Year, with dawn rituals of purification and offerings led by shamans. |
| Ysyakh | Late June | The great summer festival of the Sakha people, honoring the sun and sky deities with fermented mare's milk and circle dances. |
| Tailgan Ceremonies | Summer | Buryat community rituals at sacred sites, with offerings to local spirits for prosperity and health. |
Etiquette for visitors
- Always ask permission before attending or photographing rituals.
- Do not touch a shaman's drum, costume or ritual objects.
- Leave offerings only when guided by locals, and never remove existing ones.
- Avoid treating ceremonies as performances or tourist shows.
- Respect sacred places by not littering, shouting or camping inappropriately.
Map of Siberian shamanism sacred sites
Frequently asked questions
Where does the word shaman come from?
It comes from the Evenki language of Siberia. Russian explorers brought the term into wider use in the seventeenth century.
Can travelers meet a shaman in Siberia?
In Kyzyl, Ulan-Ude and Olkhon Island, some shamanic centers welcome respectful visitors. Arrange visits through local guides and avoid commercialized shows.
What is Shaman Rock?
Shaman Rock is a twin peaked cliff on Olkhon Island in Lake Baikal. It is one of the most sacred sites of Siberian shamanism.
