Sacred Instruments of Turkish Shamanism

Introduction

The Turkish shaman's instruments were not merely ritual objects but living entities, charged with spiritual power. Each element of the shamanic arsenal carried cosmic significance and enabled communication with spirits.

The Drum (Tüngür)

The drum was the shaman's instrument par excellence. Its manufacture followed strict rules: the tree from which the wood came had to be struck by lightning, a sign of divine election.

The skin, usually of horse or reindeer, was decorated with cosmic symbols: the sun, the moon, the stars, the World Tree. The handle represented the cosmic axis connecting the three worlds.

Called "horse" by the shaman, the drum transported him during his ecstatic journeys.

The Beater (Orba)

The beater served to strike the drum but also possessed its own powers. Covered with fur, it symbolized the shaman's spirit-guide. Some beaters had sculpted heads representing protective spirits.

The Kopuz

This stringed instrument accompanied shamanic songs. Its music soothed spirits and facilitated trance. The kopuz was considered sacred and passed down through generations.

The Mirror (Küzüngü)

Metal mirrors served for divination and protection. They allowed seeing invisible spirits and deflecting magical attacks. Worn on the chest, they protected vital organs.

Bells and Jingles

Attached to the costume or drum, they created music that drove away evil spirits and called auxiliary spirits. Their tinkling marked the stages of the shamanic journey.

The Shamanic Staff

A symbol of authority, the staff served as support during ritual dances and as a conduit for spiritual energy. Often adorned with ribbons and bells, it was sometimes used as an alternative "horse" to the drum.

Contemporary Legacy

These instruments continue to be used by modern shamans of Central Asia and Siberia. Their traditional manufacture is experiencing renewed interest.