How did shamans use music to enter a trance during religious rituals?

In Central Asian shamanism, music serves as a vital medium for the shaman to bridge the gap between the human world and the realm of spirits. To enter the ecstatic trance necessary for these spiritual journeys, shamans primarily utilize specific musical instruments, most commonly a drum or, in some traditions, a fiddle with horsehair strings.1

The process of inducing a trance involves several key elements:

• Rhythmic Stimulation: The repetitive, driving sound of the drum or fiddle is essential for exciting both the shaman and the audience, facilitating the transition into a trance state.12
• Symbolic Journeys: During the trance, the instrument often functions as a symbolic vehicle. The drum may be viewed as a steed, a boat, or a means of travel to the Upper or Lower Worlds, with the drumstick acting as a lash or oar.31
• Shamanic Song: The shaman accompanies the instrumental performance with improvised shaman songs, which include traditional formulas, dialogues, and refrains used to invoke spirits or narrate the journey.42
• Atmospheric Effects: The ritual is often enhanced by the shaman’s regalia, which includes metal hangings and bells that provide additional percussive sounds, further immersing the shaman and the community in the performance.12