article

Flights of the sacred: symbolism and theory in Siberian shamanism

American anthropologist • 98 (2) • Published In 1996 • Pages: 305-318

By: Balzer, Marjorie Mandelstam.

Abstract

This is an article on bird symbolism in Sakha (Yakut) shamanism. Birds and other animals are spirit helpers of shamans, and in some cases are also the doubles of the shaman, whose soul is carried by birds or is temporarily transformed into a bird. The author discusses various theoretical interpretations of the bird symbol, including the ability of birds to fly, walk and swim, and therefore penetrate and navigate different worlds. The article includes a discussion of the resurgeance and popularization of shamanism in Siberia, after a period of repression under the Soviets. The International Khomus Center offers group therapy based on shamanistic curing practices. Politically, shamanism has become a symbol of an emerging Sakha ethnic identity.

HRAF PubDate

1997

Region

Asia

Sub Region

North Asia

Document Type

article

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Ian Skoggard ; 1996

Field Date

1986-1995

Coverage Date

1940s-1990s

Coverage Place

northern Sakha Republic, Russian Federation

Notes

Marjorie Mandelstam Balzer

LCCN

17015424

LCSH

Yakut (Turkic people)