Transformations of shamanism in contemporary Russia, or where are we heading with the freak?

Abstract

The article discusses transformations of contemporary (neo)shamanism and phenomena associated with shamanism, drawing attention to the changes in activities of religious shamanic organisations over the past years, including attempts to establish a single religion and a hierarchy of religious power and to engage in political activities. In this regard, the article analyses most prominent events (such as the ritual killing of five camels in Angarsk (Irkutsk region, Russia)) and figures who consider themselves shamans (e.g., Aleksandr P. Gabyshev). The question is raised of how legitimate is it to associate with shamanism, and even with its new forms (neoshamanism), those transformations that go beyond the traditional understanding of shamanism as religion and culture.