Speaker: Amalia Rubin
5:30 PM, Tuesday - September 9th, 2014, American Corner, Ulaanbaatar Public Library
Since the end of the socialist period, both Buddhism and Shamanism, the two traditional faiths of Mongolia, have undergone a great revival in the now-democratic Republic of Mongolia. With newly open borders and friendly visa policies, the country has also been flooded with Christian missionaries, eager to convert the post-soviet nations. As the three faiths have struggled to claim the souls of the first generation with religious freedom, Shamanism, despite its often-dubious standing and lack of historical official support, is reviving at an unprecedented speed. Furthermore, with nearly half of the Mongolian population residing in Ulaanbaatar, the traditionally countryside practice of Shamanism is now taking roots in a capital city. Drawing on fieldwork and literature, we will discuss 21st century shamanism in Ulaanbaatar and what it means to be a shaman in a city of nearly one and a half million people.
This research is funded by the American Center for Mongolian Studies Field Fellowship and Ilse D. Cirtautas Fellowship for International Studies.
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