Exploring “Studies in Siberian Shamanism” by Henry N. Michael

When discussing Siberian shamanism, few books provide as much depth and insight as Studies in Siberian Shamanism, edited by Henry N. Michael. This collection of translated articles opens a window into the spiritual practices, cosmologies, and rituals of Siberian indigenous peoples, drawing from fieldwork conducted in the early 20th century.

Henry N. Michael (1913–2006) was an anthropologist, geographer, and professor at Temple University, best known for his work in archaeology and radiocarbon dating. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and had a deep interest in Siberian cultures is reflected in his editorial work on this volume, making previously inaccessible Russian ethnographic studies available to an English-speaking audience.

A Gateway to Russian Ethnographic Research

Published in 1963 as part of the Anthropology of the North: Translations from Russian Sources series for the Arctic Institute of North America, this book compiles five significant studies from Russian ethnographers. These scholars conducted fieldwork in the 1920s and 1930s, capturing a period when traditional shamanistic practices were still active.

The book highlights the spiritual and social role of shamans among groups like the Evenki and Ob Ugrians (Khanty and Mansi in Western Siberia). Shamanism, as presented here, is not just about spiritual rituals—it is a complex system that encompasses cosmology, social structure, material culture, and healing practices. Shamanism functions as a kind of cognitive ecosystem – the way humans relate to the natural world is encoded in every myth, ritual and cosmological concept.

By translating these Russian works, Michael provided Western scholars with invaluable ethnographic material that had previously been out of reach. For anyone interested in anthropology, religious studies, or indigenous spiritual traditions, this book remains a key resource.

Meet the Contributors: Pioneers of Siberian Ethnography

The book features five articles from leading Russian scholars, each exploring different facets of Siberian shamanism:

• Valeriy Nikolayevich Chernetsov – Concepts of the Soul among the Ob Ugrians
  Chernetsov examines how the Khanty and Mansi perceive the soul as a multi-layered entity, with distinct roles in life and death.
• Glafira Makarevna Vasilevich – Early Concepts about the Universe among the Evenks
  Vasilevich explores the Evenk understanding of the cosmos and how shamanistic rituals reflect their spiritual worldview. She published numerous papers on Evenki cosmologies and is most notably known for her research into pre-shamanistic hunting rituals and cosmological concepts.
• A. F. Anisimov – Cosmological Concepts of the Peoples of the North
  Anisimov presents the tripartite cosmology of Siberian shamanism, where shamans act as intermediaries between the upper world (heavens), middle world (earth), and underworld.
• E. D. Prokofyeva – Costume of an Enets Shaman
  This study focuses on the shaman’s attire, revealing how their clothing serves both practical and symbolic functions for and during rituals.
• Natalie Frenkley – Assisted with translations and editorial work, ensuring the text remained accurate and consistent.

Multiplicity of Souls: A Unique Spiritual Belief

One of the most fascinating concepts in the book comes from Chernetsov’s study of Ob Ugrian soul beliefs. Among these communities, people are thought to have multiple souls—five for men and four for women—each with a specific purpose.

For example, one soul governs reincarnation, while another acts as a “shadow soul” that can leave the body during dreams or shamanic trances. This belief ties into cultural rituals, particularly bear festivals and bear ceremonies, where dances and songs reinforce these spiritual ideas. Such ceremonies are not just performances; they are ways of maintaining harmony between the human and spirit worlds.

Shamanic Cosmology: The Three-Tiered Universe

Anisimov’s contribution provides an in-depth look at the cosmology of Siberian shamanism. The northern indigenous peoples view the universe as consisting of three levels: The Upper World – Home of celestial spirits, often associated with light and wisdom. The Middle World – The human realm, where spirits interact with people through shamans. The Underworld – A shadowy domain inhabited by ancestors and powerful spirits.

Shamans act as intermediaries, traveling between these realms during rituals. Anisimov describes how their tents often symbolize the universe itself, with poles representing a connection to the heavens and the ground symbolizing the earthly plane. Shamans use trance states and spirit helpers to journey between worlds, ensuring balance within their communities. The word ‘Shaman’ derives from the Tungusic languages, such as Evenki. A ‘shaman’ as a ritual specialist is widely known in Tungusic-Manchurian religions and cultures.

The Role of Shamanic Costumes in Siberia

In Prokofyeva’s study of Enets shamans, she highlights the significance of their elaborate costumes. More than just ceremonial dress, these garments are imbued with symbolic meaning. For instance, metal pieces attached to a shaman’s outfit might represent spirit allies, while specific designs can signify their ability to travel between realms.

These details offer a fascinating glimpse into how material culture and spiritual practice are deeply intertwined in Siberian shamanism.

Studies in Siberian Shamanism is more than just an academic text—it’s a rare glimpse into a world that was already disappearing when these studies were conducted. The book documents not just rituals, but entire belief systems that shaped how Siberian indigenous peoples interacted with their environment, their ancestors, and the unseen forces around them.

For anyone interested in understanding how spiritual traditions evolve, how belief systems shape daily life, or how indigenous communities have maintained their practices over centuries, this book is an invaluable resource.