In Russia’s Siberian Irkutsk Region ancient religious traditions are treated with deep respect. Some people believe that spirits guide them and protect them in everyday life and ask the shamans for help to communicate with the spiritual world.

Lake Baikal is the deepest fresh water lake on Earth. The Shamans from the Irkutsk Region gather on one of the islands to discuss the future of their calling.

After the meeting, they pray to their supreme deity, Burkhan Nayonu. Dressed in ritual clothes and carrying tambourines, they summon the spirits.

Silence descends as the shamans begin the ritual. It takes time for Burkhan Nayonu to be summoned – and every step of the ceremony has to be made carefully, so as not to anger the deity.

The priests then go into a trance to summon the Angons – family spirits, from whom locals seek help and advice.

In the future the shamans plan to form an All-Russian Shaman movement which they hope will help preserve their ancient traditions.