The vertical of Amur cosmo-psycho-logos and modern shamanism

The article deals with a “myth” problem of Priamurye as a cross-border territory through the concept of Cosmo-psycho-logos (by G.D. Gachev). The paper emphasize Verticality/Horizontality dichotomy based on natural landscape of this territory inhabited by local peoples (Ulch, Nanai, Oroch, Udege, Evenks, Evens, Negidals), so that dichotomy can form specific “world image”. The authors cover basic mythologemes and symbols of Priamurye native peoples dealing with the image of Verticality (three-part world model, spirits and gods hierarchy, cosmogony order, mythological birds, the river, traditional dwelling, shamanic tree and cult trees, the mountain etc.) and emphasize the role of traditional shaman who is to deal with the Verticality. The authors examine the modern Priamurye myth`s eclecticism and weak structure having significant amount of borrowings, so it seems difficult to draw a strict borderline between “aboriginal” and “Russian” world images. The authors conclude on reasons why shamanism and modern shamanic practices can be popular nowadays.