In pictures: Shaman initiation

1 of 9 For the first time a public initiation has been held for a shaman (spiritual chief) in Russia's Far East. Vasily Dunkai is one of about 1,000 Udege people living in the Primorye region.

2 of 9 A highlight of the ritual was Vasily Dunkai's dousing in water from three different springs.

3 of 9 The water was heated over stones brought from five hills. First the stones were placed in a fire.

4 of 9 During the initiation, the villagers left food at their place of worship for the taiga (virgin forest) gods.

5 of 9 A cockerel was sacrificed to the taiga spirits as part of the ritual.

6 of 9 Wooden statues (savens) for the spirits to live in were also prepared.

7 of 9 The spirits were then offered pampushki (fritters) and vodka.

8 of 9 The shaman's grandfather, 84-year-old Aleksandr Pionka (second left), helped with the ceremony. He alone knows all the fine details.

9 of 9 All the residents of Krasny Yar village - including children - were keen to see the initiation, which lasted two days.