[2] Imitation of natural sounds may also serve other functions not necessarily related to shamanism, such as luring in the hunt;[3] and entertainment (katajjaqs of the Inuit).
[9][10] This can be contrasted with bel canto, which intends to exploit the human speech organs on the highest level to achieve a nearly "superhuman" sound.
[11] In 1931, A. Popov observed the Nganasan shaman Dyukhade Kosterkin imitating the sound of a polar bear in order to spiritually transform into one.
[12] A Russian traveler described a Khanty shamanic séance: it took place in a birch bark tent in full darkness.
The ritual itself involves a libation: beer is poured onto the skin and wood of the drum, and these materials "come to life" and speak with the voice of the shaman in the name of the tree and the deer.