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Mongolian wrestling (bukh) and ethnicity

Bukh is a Mongolian traditional sport, in which the wrestler's body represents a beast and a bird of prey, namely supernatural strength. This is recognized as a numinous embodiment or spiritual possession. In the meantime, the incarnation rite of Bukh also functions as that of the community of Nutag. The symbolism of Bukh, in this meaning, is realized in two ritual spaces, the Ovoo festival whose cultural background lies in Nutag and Naadam which is performed as a ceremony. Moreover, the combination between Ovoo and Naadam festivals and Bukh serves a function as a mechanism to sustain collective memories and identity, perpetuating the identity of the Mongolians.
© Copyright 2006 International Journal of Sport & Health Science. Japan Society of Physical Education, Health and Sport Sciences. All rights reserved.

Bibliographic Details
Subjects:
Notations:combat sports
Published in:International Journal of Sport & Health Science
Language:English
Published: 2006
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.5432/ijshs.4.103
Volume:4
Issue:SI
Pages:103-109
Document types:article
Level:intermediate