ON THE EXPRESSION OF THE COSMOLOGICAL MODEL IN SHAMANIC RITUAL CHANTS

This article analyzes the folklore genres performed by Uzbek shamans during healing rituals. It explores the ancient belief that illnesses were caused by spirits or malevolent supernatural beings—inhabitants of another world—and that disease itself was perceived as an evil spirit assuming human form. The study demonstrates that, within shamanic healing ceremonies, verbal formulas, ritual movements, music, vocal improvisation, and ritual objects function together as an integrated magical performance. This syncretic unity determines both the artistic and functional nature of the ritual text. The article further examines the semantic system and imagery of shamanic healing chants, highlighting the features that distinguish them from the poetics of conventional folklore genres.