Tragic Spirits: Shamanism, Memory, and Gender in Contemporary Mongolia

by Manduhai Buyandelger

A “highly readable ethnographic study” of the resurgence of shamanism among nomadic Mongolians in a time of radical political and economic change (The Journal of Asian Studies).Winner, Francis Hsu Book Prize from the Society for East Asian AnthropologyShortlisted, ICAS (International Convention of Asia Scholars) Book PrizeThe collapse of socialism at the end of the twentieth century brought devastating changes to Mongolia. Economic shock therapy—an immediate liberalization of trade and privatization of publicly owned assets—quickly led to impoverishment, especially in rural parts of the country, where Tragic Spirits takes place. Following the travels of the nomadic Buryats, Manduhai Buyandelger tells a story not only of economic devastation but also a remarkable Buryat response to it—the revival of shamanic practices after decades of socialist suppression. Attributing their current misfortunes to returning ancestral spirits who are vengeful over being abandoned under socialism, the Buryats are now at once trying to appease their ancestors and recover the history of their people through shamanic practice. Thoroughly documenting this process, Buyandelger situates it as part of a global phenomenon, comparing the rise of shamanism in liberalized Mongolia to its similar rise in Africa and Indonesia. In doing so, she offers a sophisticated analysis of the way economics, politics, gender, and other factors influence the spirit world and the crucial workings of cultural memory.“An excellent addition to studies in the area . . . emotive, accessible and well-researched.” —London School of Economics Review of Books

Genres: Anthropology, Religion, Asia

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2013

Reviews

[S. Harrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers excellent insight into the cultural dynamics of Buryat shamanism post-capitalism. It's not an easy read and is somewhat repetitive in its message, yet it's worth sticking through the full text. The resounding message in this text casts modern Buryat shamanic efforts in a light that many modern traditions need to look to and understand. The perspectives on the problems of capitalism in the cultural and social context of this book very much parlay into the problems that colonization, patriarchy, and capitalism generated in the west. For that reason, this book sheds light on what can be learned about Ancestral relationships, their healing, and how to move forward in a still shamanic and healthy way.

[Bryn Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interview with the author:
http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2013/th...

[Benben Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manduhai Buyandelger's Tragic Spirits: Shamanism, Memory, and Gender in Contemporary Mongolia offers a profound exploration of the intersections between shamanism, memory, and gender among the Buryat people in Mongolia during a period of significant socio-economic upheaval. The book is rooted in Buyandelger's ethnographic research conducted between 1996 and 2000, focusing on how the collapse of socialism and the subsequent neoliberal reforms have reshaped cultural practices and community identities.

The narrative begins with an analysis of the economic devastation experienced by the Buryats following the collapse of state socialism. As traditional livelihoods eroded, many turned to shamanic practices as a means of coping with their misfortunes. Buyandelger illustrates how these practices serve not only as spiritual recourse but also as a method for reclaiming lost histories and identities. The revival of shamanism is portrayed as a response to both personal and collective trauma, where rituals become a way to negotiate the past and present struggles.

Buyandelger argues that memories of ancestral spirits play a crucial role in shaping contemporary Buryat identity. The book discusses how these memories are often fragmented due to historical violence and suppression, particularly during the socialist era. The author emphasizes that acknowledging these spirits allows for deeper engagement with history, albeit one that is incomplete and often unsettling.

Buyandelger also delves into the gendered dimensions of shamanism, highlighting how female ancestors are often overlooked in genealogical records yet play a significant role in shamanic narratives. The absence of these women from official histories contributes to their portrayal as vengeful spirits, reflecting broader societal issues regarding gender and memory. This exploration reveals how gender influences both the practice of shamanism and the experiences of those who seek its help.

Buyandelger employs a native anthropological perspective, blending her insider knowledge with rigorous academic analysis. This approach allows her to present a nuanced account of Buryat life that captures the complexities of their social relations and cultural practices. The ethnography is rich with personal narratives that illustrate how individuals navigate their realities through shamanic rituals, thus providing insight into the ongoing processes of memory reclamation and identity formation.

The book has been well-received in academic circles for its emotive storytelling and depth of analysis. Reviewers have praised Buyandelger's ability to intertwine personal experiences with broader historical narratives, making her work accessible while maintaining scholarly rigor. Critics highlight that Tragic Spirits challenges conventional views on shamanism by portraying shamans not merely as mystical figures but as active participants in community healing processes amid neoliberal challenges.

Tragic Spirits: Shamanism, Memory, and Gender in Contemporary Mongolia stands out as a significant contribution to the fields of anthropology and Asian studies. By examining the revival of shamanic practices through the lenses of memory and gender, Buyandelger illuminates the resilience of the Buryat people in the face of historical trauma. Her work not only enriches our understanding of Mongolian culture but also invites readers to reflect on the broader implications of memory and identity in post-socialist contexts.

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though I didn't agree with every stance or point of the author, the book easily slid me into the pro-shaman, pro-female empowerment in Mongolia side of things. Some of the cultural norms there against women are an absolute atrocity and need to be addressed, though I have no idea how you could address them admittedly. I felt strangely connected to the shamanic practices in spite of disagreeing with them, and I found the story of the lizard particularly fascinating. I happened to disagree with the author in that instance as to how that whole situation occurred, and though I agree with the teller that it seems like it was a spiritual blessing I disagreed with the point of origin attributed.
It amazes me how much this group of people try so desperately to connect with their ancestors and how many things are in the way of them doing that. It's disheartening to know that the horrors that have been inflicted upon them will likely forever deny them the foundation one has in knowing their ancestors and family. Powerful, though repetitive, book and one that I enjoyed significantly more than my last anthropology read.

[Emily O. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the vivid exploration of shamanism in Mongolia, particularly in terms of its modern history and social and political implications. Certain parts of the book felt redundant, but I learned a lot. For example, I recognized the connections between land, memory, and history; I began to understand how the USSR sought to erase memory, erase the erasure of memory, and craft a new historical/contemporary imagination; I saw the difficulties women faced in obtaining shamanistic credibility; and I saw how a society may turn to spiritual practices to make meaning of a shattered world.

[Casey Tester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!!! A beautiful ethnography about shamanism in contemporary Mongolia. If you can be patient with the theory long enough to immerse yourself into the stories is different shamans journeys into shamanistic practice, you will not be disappointed.

[Clivemichael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intimate examination well documented and described. Provocative and revealing.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little slow at the beginning, this book gives a thorough account of shamanism among the Buryats in Mongolia. I enjoyed how the author analyzes shamanism from the perspectives of both male and female shamans, along with the perspectives of the shamans' clients. It was also fascinating to learn about how shamanism was influenced by Soviet rule, which initially prevented shamanism but eventually led to a huge proliferation of shamans in modern Mongolia. I don't have any background in this subject matter, but as someone who is currently working in Mongolia, this book has greatly influenced my understanding of this important component of Mongolian culture. Now I can speak confidently whenever the topic of Buryat shamanism is brought up at a cocktail party.