Cultural and Spiritual Life in Arshan
Captured in 2007 in the village of Arshan and Baikal Lake, located in the Republic of Buryatia. They capture moments of daily life among the local people, as well as a Tailgan ritual held by the shamanic religious organization Tengeri.
Tailgan is a form of collective worship or prayer. Each ritual is dedicated to a specific deity or a group of ezhins—spiritual beings who protect and govern elements of the natural world, such as water, mountains, or weather. These ceremonies are traditionally accompanied by offerings and, in some cases, animal sacrifices.
Shaman Festival: A Photographic Chronicle
Black & White Gallery – Selected Works
Archival footage of rituals
Rite. Sheep Sacrifice and Purification Ritual
This sacred Siberian shamanic purification ritual was captured in 2007. Using birch twigs and the cleansing power of hot juniper broth, the ceremony symbolizes spiritual renewal and harmony. Deeply rooted in nature and ancestral tradition, it reflects the spiritual worldview of Siberian shamanism.
Also included is an interview in Russian (without subtitles) with Buryat shaman Buduzhap and his wife, recorded inside their car. The unedited footage spans four parts and features the interview, rituals, and the sacrifice to the 13 Khaatans.
Special thanks to Danil Panfilov, who is y friend and supporter of the project.