Banned for 70 years under communist rule, the ancient practice of shamanism has been protected by Mongolia’s constitution since 1992. This selection will reveal Mongolia’s shamanic rituals and how they prepare for them. From Mongolian shamans, or buu who take part in a ceremony marking the summer solstice to the mouth harp, or khel khuur that is used to summon spirits during sun ceremonies, these pictures will amaze you.

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Mongolian shamans, or buu, take part in a ceremony marking the summer solstice in the grasslands outside the capital city, Ulaanbaatar

A follower of shamanism accepts rice as a blessing

Shamanists pray during a blessing ritual

Milk is distributed to be thrown in the air as an offering

A shaman holds her child while throwing milk

Shamans gather for a fire ritual intended to summon spirits. It is believed that shamans are chosen by their ancestral spirits to serve as a conduit to the living world

A fire ritual at the holy Mother Tree in Sükhbaatar, Selenge province

Shamans gather outside Ulaanbaatar

The mouth harp, or khel khuur, is used to summon spirits during sun ceremonies