Anna-Leena Siikala and Mihály Hoppál are two brilliant minds in the study of shamanism, and their book Studies on Shamanism (1998) is a fascinating deep dive into the world of Eurasian healing systems whose foundations are linked to northern hunting cultures.

Siikala was a Finnish anthropologist and folklorist, renowned for her expertise in mythology and oral traditions, especially in Finnish and Siberian contexts. Hoppál, on the other hand, is a Hungarian ethnographer and folklorist with a keen interest in shamanism’s historical roots and its modern adaptations. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge to this book, which is essentially a collection of essays exploring shamanism from multiple angles.

Studies on Shamanism

This book focuses primarily on Siberian and Eurasian shamanistic traditions but also touches on Finnish and Hungarian folklore. The authors split the book into two parts: the first by Siikala, who takes us deep into the cultural and ritualistic aspects of shamanism, and the second by Hoppál, who broadens the discussion with historical insights and modern interpretations.

Part I: Siikala’s Take on Shamanism

Siikala’s essays are essentially about understanding shamanism as an integral part of culture. She doesn’t treat it as some mystical or exotic phenomenon; instead, she shows how it’s woven into the fabric of everyday life for the communities that practice it. Subsistence, ecology, economy, everyday life rules are influenced and linked to it.

Shamanism as a Cultural System

One of her main points is that shamanism isn’t just about rituals or trances—it’s a way of understanding the world. Or as other researchers have termed it, it is a relational ontology.

For many indigenous Siberian shamans, for example for the Evenki, the universe is divided into upper, middle, and lower worlds. Shamans act as intermediaries between these realms, helping their communities deal with everything from illness to spiritual crises, hunting luck and success, and contacting ancestors for guidance.

Trance States: The “Technique of Ecstasy”

Siikala dives into how shamans enter altered states of consciousness (trances) to perform their work. Whether it’s through drumming, chanting, or fasting, these techniques allow them to journey into spiritual realms to heal or gain knowledge. It’s fascinating to see how these practices are not random but deeply rooted in cultural traditions.

Folklore Traditions and Shamanistic Mythology

Another highlight is her exploration of shamanic songs and stories. Finnish epic poetry (like Kalevala) is a good example. Siikala connects these oral traditions to broader shamanic practices, showing how myths guide rituals and provide a framework for understanding the cosmos.

Finnish Connections

Similarly to the work of Professor Juha Pentikainen, Anna Siikala likewise draws some intriguing parallels between Siberian shamanism and Finnish/Nordic traditions. From rock art to incantations, she shows how elements of shamanism have persisted in Finnish culture over centuries. It’s like discovering hidden threads connecting seemingly distant cultures.

Part II: Hoppál’s Broader Perspective

The Origins of Shamanism

Hoppál explores and investigates ancient rock art and archaeological evidence to trace where shamanism might have started. He highlights how these early spiritual practices were shaped by their environments—such as Siberian Boreal landscapes and especially the Taiga—and how they’ve influenced cultures far beyond their origins.

Initiation Rituals

One essay that really stands out is his discussion on initiation rituals. Becoming a shaman isn’t easy—it often involves physical pain or intense spiritual experiences that transform the individual. These rites aren’t just personal; they’re deeply tied to cultural beliefs about life, death, and rebirth.

Hungarian Folk Beliefs

Hoppál also includes his Hungarian heritage by exploring traces of shamanism in Hungarian folklore. He shows how these ancient practices have shaped national identity and continue to influence modern spirituality.

What makes Studies on Shamanism interesting is its ability to blend scholarly depth with cultural richness. It’s not just about rituals or history—it’s about people and their connection to something greater than themselves. Real people, real cultures with a long, indeed ancient, past of rituals and myths so old that it can be difficult to comprehend at times (e.g. the Cosmic Hunt myths that are shared in both Eurasia and North America among indigenous cultures).

The book also has this wonderful balance between academic rigor and storytelling. You’ll learn about cosmology, mythical imagery, oral traditions, and even modern adaptations—all while being transported across Siberia’s tundras or Finland’s forests.

If you’re curious about traditional shamanism or want to understand how ancient spiritual practices connect to culture (and even modern life), this book is a must-read.

Siikala and Hoppál are like guides taking you on an intellectual adventure through history, mythology, and anthropology. It’s educational but never dry—a rare combination! Whether you’re into folklore, anthropology, or you’re curious about traditional indigenous Shamanism outside of Hollywood and New Age ideas, Studies on Shamanism will certainly provide an educational foundation, intellectual inquiry and a spark of curiosity to learn and study more.