| This is a study of the shamanisms of the Manchus during the Qing dynasty, and primarily of shamanic performances within the ritual spaces maintained by the Qing court. As such, it is a study of the shamanisms of a people whose ancestral homelands, in today's northeastern region of China, reached into the region said to be the home of “classical shamanism.” Furthermore the term “shaman” comes to us from the languages of this area of the world, particularly the Tunguso-manchurian dialect.; Focusing on eight texts in particular, this study resolves the tension that arose from the several highly differentiated types of shamanic rituals which the Manchus practiced during the Qing. In the process three Manchu shamanisms are defined: “healing” shamanism, clan shamanism and Tangse shamanism. This study explicitly links the three strands via common elements, including symbolic and material implements as well as personnel involved.; Furthermore, by allowing a focus on the development and performance of the rites within two of the ritual spaces used by the Oing court, the tri-furcation of Manchu shamanisms revealed the relation between the shamanisms practiced by the Qing court and those of the non-imperial clans. These spaces, the Kunning Gong and the Tangse, each witnessed the performance of shamanisms which were related closely to the shamanic practices of non-imperial Manchu clans. The ceremonies held within the Kunning Gong were, at base, elaborate versions of the rites which constituted Manchu clan shamanism. The principle differences between the rites in the Kunning Gong and those of other Manchu clans were the frequency of performance, number of actors, and the quality and quantity of the offerings. The Tangse, however, was a ritual arena unique to the imperial clan and as such the ceremonies performed within comprised a distinct type of shamanism. The rites of Tangse shamanism were rooted in the rites of Manchu clan shamanism but grew into rites suited to the needs of rulers of a multi-ethnic state. |
