ABSTRACT
In this chapter, based on my fieldwork in Kazakhstan and in Kyrgyzstan, I focus on relations between healers and more-than-human persons―primarily ancestor spirits―and their role in healing. Drawing on anthropological debates centred on the ‘ontological/relational turn’ and ‘new animism’, I argue that the Kazakh and Kyrgyz worlds are inhabited not only by humans, but also by various spirits, who are experienced as interfering in people’s lives and engaging in complex relations with them. I examine the personhood and agency of such spirits, and show through ethnographic examples how healers negotiate with spirits and mobilise their agency during the course of healing. It is believed that healers are chosen by spirits, and rely on their guidance and assistance, but their interrelations are characterised by both collaboration and tensions, since spirits demand obedience, proper moral conduct and observance of religious duties from the spirits’ chosen individuals. Despite the increasing influence of scripturalist Islam, the strength of ideas and practices connected with spirits (ancestor spirits, in particular) greatly contributes to the tenacity of spiritual healing in the region.
