Regional forms of shamanism
A global overview of indigenous spirit-interaction practices across Asia and the Americas.
Shamanism appears in many distinct cultures as a way to interact with spirits. It involves specialists who enter altered states to heal people or find lost items. The practice varies widely from Siberia to Southeast Asia.
- Hmong shamans borrow animal souls to heal people.
- Spanish colonizers persecuted Philippine babaylans.
- Mongolian neo-shamanism started in the 1990s.
- Korean female shamans are called mudangs.
- Siberia is the classic region for ethnographic records.
What it is
Shamanism refers to a collection of spiritual practices found in various societies. A specialist enters a trance to communicate with unseen forces. These forces may help cure illness or guide the community. The methods differ significantly depending on local history and environment.
Where it comes from
Siberia is often cited as the primary region for early records of these rituals. Many classical studies focused on ethnic groups in that area. In China, the tradition connects to ancient Neolithic cultures like Hongshan. It remains part of folk religion there today.
How it is done
Practitioners use trance to reach other realms. Hmong shamans perform rituals to restore balance. They may ask for an animal's soul to aid a sick person. The animal is later released to a better state. Korean shamans consult clients about money or marriage.
Tools and materials
Animal skins and feathers are worn by some Central Eurasian shamans. They believe this helps them change into animals during journeys. Plants and seeds are used to make remedies. Sacred texts with specific words assist in healing physical ailments.
Regional forms of shamanism, drawn and placed
- Living
- Revived
- Fading
- Historical
- Legendary
- Performed
What it is for
The main goal is to fix problems for individuals or families. Shamans seek harmony between people and their surroundings. They also handle decisions about wealth and relationships. In the Philippines, they once protected communities from dark magic.
Who does it
Roles can be inherited or chosen by natural ability. In Korea, women are called mudangs and men are baksoo mudangs. Philippine babaylans were often women or feminized men. They held high status, sometimes equal to nobles.
Peoples and places
The Hmong practice Ua Neeb in China and the United States. Mongolian traditions include complex spirit hierarchies. Japan has Ainu and Shinto connections. Malaysia uses bomoh and pawang terms. Siberian groups like the Chukchi have unique possession beliefs.
At a glance: who, where and when
Who does it
Belief worlds
Occasions
![Second scene (of 5) depicting Ainu bear-sending ceremony ( iomante ). Japanese painting c. 1870 (1850s-80s) by a re-copyist of Murakami Shimanojō (pen name Hata Awagimaro), 1799. [ 1 ]](https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9d/AinuBearSacrificeCirca1870.jpg/960px-AinuBearSacrificeCirca1870.jpg)
What people believe
Many groups believe everything has a soul. Hmong views hold souls as interchangeable. Mongolians respect tngri spirits and earth-mothers. Central Eurasian faiths revere nature elements like trees and mountains. They value the contrast between summer and winter seasons.
When it is done
Hmong New Year includes special release rituals for sacrificed animals. Daily life often requires shamanic consultation. Crisis moments trigger urgent interventions. Some practices occur during specific seasonal changes in Central Eurasia.
How scholars and sceptics see it
Anthropologists study how these traditions adapt over time. Neo-shamanism emerged in Mongolia after the 1990s. Researchers note struggles for cultural identity among Buryats. Scholars observe how colonial history changed roles in the Philippines.
Cautions and what is closed
Spanish colonizers persecuted Philippine babaylans as witches. They destroyed shrines and forced disrespect toward idols. Modern accusations still occur in some areas. Animal sacrifice raises legal issues in places like the United States.
Compare and confuse
Wuism describes Chinese shamanic roots. Babaylan names vary across Philippine islands. Shamanism blends with Buddhism in Japan. It differs from organized religions by focusing on direct spirit contact.
Law and persecution
Some traditions faced suppression under communist rule. Border closures affected nomadic Tungus groups. Modern businesses operate in Mongolian towns. Legal cases involve religious animal sacrifices in the West.
Today
Over 200,000 Hmong resettled in the US keep practices alive. Neo-shamanism offers modern services in Mongolia. Philippine shamans persist in unconverted areas. Western interest has led to restricted access for some groups.
Questions people ask about Regional forms of shamanism
What is shamanism?
It is a spiritual practice where specialists enter trances to interact with spirits. These interactions aim to heal, guide, or protect communities. Methods vary widely across different cultures and regions.
Where does it come from?
Siberia is considered the classic origin for recorded practices. Many ethnic groups in that area developed distinct traditions. The concept spread and adapted to places like China, Korea, and the Philippines.
How do Hmong shamans work?
They perform rituals to restore harmony. They may request an animal's soul to help a sick person. The animal is later released to a higher spiritual state as an honor.
Who are the practitioners?
Roles can be hereditary or based on ability. In Korea, women are mudangs and men are baksoo mudangs. Philippine babaylans were often women or feminized men with high social status.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Regional forms of shamanism", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryJaadu rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Names and customs differ from one community to the next, and some knowledge is closed to outsiders and left out here. This page describes belief and practice. It does not say that any of it works, it is not a how-to, and it is not medical advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-06.
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