Flights of the sacred - Symbolism and theory in Siberian shamanism

Journal/Book: Amer Anthropol. 1996; 98: 4350 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 640, Arlington, VA 22203. Amer Anthropological Assoc. 305.

Abstract: After Soviet repression, shamans and curers are responding to renewed spiritual yearnings, the democratization of religion, and a growing nationalism among believers. This essay explores animal, especially bird, symbolism in shamanic cosmologies and in specific sociopolitical contexts. Using Siberian Sakha (Yakut) voices, it draws comparisons with other peoples and examines theories about shamanism in order to achieve locally adapted matches among various theories and diverse data.

Note: Article MM Balzer, Georgetown Univ, Dept Sociol, Washington, DC 20057 USA

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