ABSTRACT
Transvestitism – ritual and initiatory dressing and undressing – is a theme closely tied in with that of hermaphroditism. The Siberian shaman is an exemplary figure that can serve to illustrate this theme. According to Eliade, he brings both sexes together symbolically. His costume is often decorated with feminine symbols. He acts like a woman and wears women’s clothing (Eliade 1969: 117ff.). Such ritualistic bisexuality or asexuality is often considered a sign of spirituality and of traffic with the gods and spirits as well as a source of spiritual power.
