Shamanism is an ancient form of religion that saw nature as full of forces that could influence daily life. The sky itself was perceived as a divine source of power. While in trances, shamans — believed to be in communication with the spirits — made predictions about hunting, moving camp, weddings, or war.

Buddhism was introduced into Mongolia during the time of Chinggis Khan through contact with Central Asian Uighurs and Tibetans. After his death, his grandson, Prince Godan, second son of Ogödei, sent messages to Tibet to find the most outstanding lama, or teacher. In 1244, Sakya Pandita came to the Mongol court to teach and offer spiritual guidance. Accompanying him was his nephew, Chogyal Phagspa who would succeed him to serve Khubilai Khan, Mongolian emperor of China and founder of the Yuan Dynasty. Phagspa was instrumental in translating the Buddhist canon into Mongolian and devising a new script. After the fall of the Yuan Dynasty and a period of political disorder, Altan Khan attempted to increase the authority of Buddhism in Mongolian society in 1577. The head of the new order of Tibetan Buddhism, Sonam Gyatsho was granted the title Dalai [Ocean (of wisdom)] and declared that Altan was the reincarnation of Khubilai Khan. His own great grandson became the first Mongolian Dalai Lama (the fourth Dalai Lama, as Sonam Gyathso posthumously awarded the titles of first and second to his own teachers). Buddhism was declared the official religion of Mongolia, and monasteries flourished supporting sculpture and religious paintings (thankas).

When the Manchu Qing dynasty fell in China in 1911, the Mongolian Buddhist leader Bogdo Gegen took the title Bogdo Khan, uniting political and religious authority until his death in 1924. After 1937, the Soviets adopted a policy of no tolerance for Buddhism.

Nearly all religious activity was banned during the Soviet domination of Mongolia. Most monasteries were destroyed, religious books burned, and works of art destroyed or relegated to museums. Today, some monasteries are reviving schools, recruiting monks and bringing teachers from Tibet and abroad to revive the religious schools. Shamanism has also reemerged as an inspiration to artists and musicians as well as in daily life-cycle events.

1. Visit the Museum using the enclosed section (next page) "At the Museum: Guide to the Hall of Asian Peoples." Encourage students to bring their families to the Museum and share their knowledge. Many students will be able to attend the Naadam Festival in Central Park. Let your students report on their visits to the rest of the class.

2. Review the list of information about Mongolia generated by your students before their Museum experience. Discuss changes in their knowledge and perceptions of Mongolian culture.

3. Review the words in the glossary and let students make their own dictionaries with drawings.

4. Discuss the dance forms experienced at the Museum. Can the students repeat specific movements or rhythms? Discuss the role that music plays in Mongolian life.

5. Discuss responses to the performances. Encourage students to explore what ideas and feelings were conveyed and why the audience identified with certain performers. Students can write their own reviews of the performances. How were they similar to other experiences they have had with Asian music and dance? How were they different?