Britannica Sources used in this answer

What kinds of clothing and objects did northern Asian shamans use in rituals?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Mudang in South Korea — Shamanism Korean shamans, or *mudang*, performing a ritual dance in South Korea.

Northern Asian shamans utilized elaborate regalia and ritual objects to facilitate communication with the spirit world, heal the sick, and perform divination.123

Clothing and Regalia

Shamanic dress often incorporates animal symbolism, with costumes frequently imitating creatures such as deer, bears, or birds. Specific elements include:12
* Headdresses: Often made of antlers or bands adorned with bird feathers.1
* Footwear: Designed to represent animal parts, such as iron deer hooves, bird claws, or bear paws.1
* Ornaments: Clothing may be decorated with representations of human bones (ribs, arm, or finger bones) or metal ornaments depicting internal organs, the Sun, or the Moon.12
* Metal: In some cultures, such as the Siberian Yakut, costumes are heavily weighted with iron—sometimes 30 to 50 pounds—to ensure the ritual's efficacy.2

Ritual Objects

Drums: The most essential device, typically featuring a single membrane decorated with symbolic drawings of the Upper and Lower Worlds. It serves as a "mount" or "boat" during the shaman's soul journey.14
Mirrors: A metal disk, or "shaman-mirror," used to view the souls of the dead.12
Staves and Drumsticks: Often carved with animal figures; a drumstick may act as a "lash" or "oar" during the shaman's journey.14
Other Tools: Shamans may use notched poles for symbolic ascents to the heavens or sticks topped with horse or reindeer heads.12