The Shaman Masks of the Siberian Peoples
The paper considers the significance and functions of the shaman masks in rituals in the culture of the Siberian peoples. The use of different masks by shamans for the creation of images of various spirits-helpers and spirits-patrons is one of the ways of reincarnation. Characteristic of these rituals is assuming by shamans a role and playing it in front of those present. On the basis of extensive materials from archives, museums, research works a typological classification of shamans' masks has been made.