Shaman Tambourines of the Northern Ob Ugrians (18th to Early 21st Centuries)

Abstract

Shaman tambourines of the northern Khanty and Mansi (18th to early 21st centuries) are described. Sources include publications by other specialists and the author’s fi eld materials collected in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug–Yugra and the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. A shaman performing rites with a tambourine is called koipyng-nyait. The process of making a tambourine is described. Information on 44 tambourines is summarized in a table with reference to shape, number of resonators, etc. The few available descriptions of rites are provided. A separate section concerns anthropomorphic images of patron spirits, carved on handles and beaters or represented as figurines inserted in tambourines. The Lyapin Mansi practiced a custom of providing tambourines with figurines of guards, koipyng-pupyg. Traditionally, after the tambourine’s owner had died, the tambourine became a family patron spirit, whose image was supplied with specially sewn men’s clothes. In my view, the northern Ob Ugrian shamanism was underdeveloped, as evidenced by the shaman’s limited functions, absence of special attire, etc. The shamanic paraphernalia used by Khanty and Mansi are much scarcer than those associated with the cult of Mir-Susne-Khum. The main distribution areas of tambourines in the 20th to early 21st centuries are the basins of the Lyapin River (Mansi) and the Synya River (Khanty). Both belonged to the territory that, in the 18th–19th centuries, was the contact zone between Ob Ugrians and Nenets.