The Irkutsk Regional Museum of Local Lore holds the largest collection of ritual objects in Eastern Siberia, gathered since the late 19th century. Of special interest are shaman costumes and ongons, which help compare the worldviews of different Siberian peoples and reveal the philosophical meaning of each detail. The collection includes Yakuts, Buryats, Evenks, Tofalars, Soyots, Mongols and other ethnic groups, and its value is enhanced by the fact that the items were collected when the traditional form of the religious cult still remained.
The main purpose of the visit is to become acquainted with the collection, as well as to consult with research staff on items from shamanic burials.The collection of ritual objects in the Irkutsk Regional Museum of Local Lore is the largest in Eastern Siberia. The history of its formation begins in the late 19th century.
Shamanic costumes, as a materialized expression of religious beliefs, are of immense value. The technique of their making is practically the same, which makes it possible to compare the worldview of different peoples of Siberia. Each detail of the costume had a specific philosophical meaning and carried a certain semantic load.
In addition to costumes, the museum has assembled a large collection of ongons, various ritual objects that a shaman needs during ceremonies.
Almost all major ethnic groups of Siberia are represented: Yakuts, Buryats, local ethnic formations of Evenks, Tofalars, Soyots, Mongols, and others. The collections were gathered in Yakutia, the Far East, Eastern Siberia, and Mongolia. Therefore, the study of this collection will make it possible to speak about the unity and differences in the worldview of these peoples.
The value of the collection is also determined by the fact that it was assembled in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when objects of religious worship retained their traditional appearance.