Crossing Dimensions: Shaman of Mongolia

Shamanism in Mongolia is an ancient spiritual practice rooted in the belief that the natural world is alive with spirits–of land, sky, animals, and ancestors. Shaman act as intermediaries, entering altered states through ritual and drumming to heal illness, restore balance, and ward off harmful forces. Their clothing is both functional and symbolic: layered with metal, bone, mirrors, and feathers, each element serves as protection or a channel for communication with the spirit world passed down through generations. Each shaman’s clothing is unique, shaped by personal lineage, the spirits they work with, and the way they enter altered states. Some wear heavy, reflective garments meant to deflect harmful forces, while others avoid light altogether, working in shadow and silence.