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Bouraits, Religion of the

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The Bouraits are a people of Mongol origin, who reside in the western part of Siberia and on the frontiers of China, in the government of Irktutzk. Their religion is a mixture of Lamaism and Shamaism. In their huts they have wooden idols, naked or clothed; others are of felt, tin, or lamb's skin; and others again rude daubings with soot by the Shamas, or priests, who give them arbitrary names. The women are not allowed to approach or pass before them. The Bourait, when he goes out or returns to his hut, bows to his idols, and this is almost the only daily mark of respect that he pays them. He annually celebrates two festivals in their honor, and at these men only have a right to be present.