TRADITIONAL BURYAT BURIALS: CHANGES AND STEREOTYPES

Abstract

Buryat burials are described with regard to the age and social status of the deceased. Changes and conservative features are evaluated, and cultural stereotypes are discussed. Certain novel traits are due to a recombination of traditional elements; others are caused by external stimuli. Environmental adaptations and the role of cultural factors are assessed. There are two traditional types of low-ranking burials: above-ground under cover with accompanying goods; and cremation. Both were practiced throughout the Buryat ethnic area. Its inclusion in the Russian Empire and the spread of Buddhism resulted in the emergence in the Baikal region of two major religious groups––shamanists in the cis-Baikal area and Buddhists living east of Lake Baikal. Changes affected burial practices as well. Under the impact of the Russian tradition, inhumation burials in coffi ns emerged. Under Buddhism, only members of clergy but not lay persons were cremated. Cremation became the principal rite west of Lake Baikal, while having disappeared east of it. Two types of the above-ground burials became common––shamanist and Buddhist. From that time on, ground burials can be divided into two subtypes–– shamanist and Buddhist, the latter being predominant in the Trans-Baikal region. Burials of children fall in several categories–– suspended, cremation, both types of above-ground, and inhumation. Burials and commemoration practices relating to shamans and the Buddhist clergy are described. One evolutionary line demonstrates changes in burial practices concerning ordinary people and contributing to the integration of the traditional culture into the outside world, another line highlights the sacral stereotypes, preserving the core of the traditional culture. Both opposing lines maintain the integrity of the Buryat ethnic tradition in both space and time.