Yekyua

Yekyua is a class of Yakut spirits that remain hidden until the snow melts in the Spring. Each yekyua is associated with a particular animal, and they act as familiars for the Yakut shaman. The most powerful are attached to female shaman. The type of animal manifestation also determines the power of the yekyua. For example dog yekyua have very little power, while elk yekyua are quite powerful. A mammoth yekyua is most powerful. Only shaman can see the yekyua.

References

* Stutley, Margaret (2002) "Shamanism: A Concise Introduction" Routledge, ISBN 0-415-27317-X p. 55;
* Czaplicka, Marie Antoinette (1914) " Aboriginal Siberia, a study in social anthropology" Clarendon Press, Oxford, p. 20;