Shaman Drums

Oh! My many-colored drum
Ye who standeth in the forward corner!
Oh! My merry and painted drum,
Ye who standeth here!
Let thy shoulder and neck be strong.

Hark, oh hark my horse - ye female morale deer!
Hark, oh hark my horse - ye bear!
Hark, or hark ye (bear)!

Oh, painted drum who standeth in the forward corner!
My mounts - male and female deer.
Be silent sonorous drum,
Skin-covored drum,
Fulfill my wishes

Like fitting clouds, carry me
Through the lands of ducks
And below the leaden sky,
Sweep along like wind
Over the mountain peaks.


(Dioszegi, Vilmus "Tuva Shamanism: Intraethnic Differences and Interethnic Analogies." Acta Etnographica 11:143-190)