The Daur Version of Nisan Saman and Modern Shamanic Practices among the Daur.

This article is based on the argument that Daurs, despite speaking a Mongolic language, have shamanic traditions similar to that of the Manchu, Evenki, and other Tungusic groups of the Amur Region. The most important source for the shamanic traditions of the Tungusic peoples of the Amur Region is the story of the Nisan Saman. According to this story and fieldwork among Tungusic peoples, the shamanic journey is practiced as part of ritual. When the author himself visited the Daurs of Hailar (Hölönbuir) and Morin-Dawaa, the modern shamanic practices were based on spirit possession similar to the Buriad tradition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]