TUVA (Russia, 2003-2005)

Shamanism is one of the oldest spiritual currents in the world. The figure of the shaman, who is in contact with spirits or invisible powers, is central to it. In the Soviet Union followers of shamanism were prosecuted. Since the fall of the Communist regime however the shamanism has experienced a revival. A case in point is Tuva, a nomadic republic in Siberia where shamanism may well have had its origins. Traditional shamans who assist villagers with their healing powers in exchange for food live in its rural areas. But in the city the most important shamans are directors of expensive clinics where Western medical tourists are also welcome. They regularly give seminars in Europe, in which commercial motives prevail.