Ceremonies are Conservation: Rebirth of Shamanism

• Prize
  Silver in Press/Feature Story
• Photographer
  Kiliii Yuyan, United States
• Website
  http://www.kiliii.com
• Instagram
  @kiliiiyuyan

After communism, Mongolia began returning to its shamanic roots. In Mongolian culture, the traditional belief system involves communication with spirits, nature, and ancestors.

Westerners often describe conservation in technical terms—ecosystems, species diversity.

But Mongolians don’t see it that way. Elder Erjen Khamaganova says, “Science can’t give us purpose. It can’t provide the inspiration necessary for the work of taking care of the land. But here in the mountains, by the sacred fire, hearing the shaman’s prayers, we can feel that purpose in our hearts."

Ceremonies are conservation.

Kiliii Yuyan is an indigenous Nanai/Hézhè & Chinese-American photographer and filmmaker. He has contributed award-winning features for National Geographic Magazine, TIME, NPR, and the BBC. On assignment, he has fled collapsing sea ice, weathered botulism from fermented whale blood, and found kinship at the edges of the world. Kiliii is also a National Geographic Expeditions Expert for the Arctic. He is based out of Seattle.

Awards * PDN’s 30 New and Emerging Photographers, 2019
* PCNW 22nd Juried Exhibition, 2019, First Place
* Best of ASMP, 2018, First Place, Series
* Eddie Adams XXXI, 2018
* PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris, 2018, Bronze, Feature Story
* PDN World in Focus, 2017, 1st Place, Photo Essay
* PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris, 2017, Gold, Press
* Critical Mass, 2017, Top 50
* PDN Photo Annual, 2017, Personal Work
* International Photography Awards, 2017, Silver, Deeper Perspective
* Communication Arts Annual, 2017, Multimedia
* Sienna International Photo Awards, 2017, HM, Editorial
* International Photographer of the Year, 2016, Silver, Editorial
* Sony World Photo Awards, 2016, Shortlist, Still Life
* PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris, 2015, HM, Press
* International Photography Awards, 2015, HM, Feature Story, Portrait
* Communication Arts Annual, 2015, Stock
* International Photography Awards, 2013, HM, Conceptual, Portrait