Elena Mironova talks about the meaning of masks in shamanic rituals

00:00 – 01:43

The mask presumably represents the face of a deity. When summoning spirits, the shaman wears a so-called “iron mask”, which covers his face and is intended to make him invisible to the spirits. The mask features human facial features as well as depictions of animals and birds. Shamans are believed to possess special knowledge and the ability to communicate with the spirit world and heal people. The masks are regarded as carriers of invisible power. They were made from various materials, including wood, iron, antler, fabric, and animal hides. Even today, ceremonies honouring the spirits are still performed with a shaman in the village. During these ceremonies, an iron mask is hung on a birch tree, decorated with strips of cloth, anointed with melted butter, and presented with «white foods» (dairy products) as offerings. The narrator concludes by referring to a local tradition associated with this ritual of honouring the spirits.
(Subtitles: cc)

Recorded by Mariia Berel’tueva (Tepkegir), Ulan-Ude, Republic of Buryatia, December 2025.
Translation: Mariia Berel’tueva.
Transliteration: Mariia Berel’tueva, Daniil Nikitenko.
Editing: Nadezhda Mamontova.