Imperial Household Department
The shamans in the Kunning Palace were all women. In the Shunzhi era (1644–1661), the sacrifices were performed by the wives of Aisin Gioro men and by the emperor's consorts. After that, the shamanesses were selected from the wives of "imperial guards" (), high officials belonging to Gioro households registered in the "Upper Three Banners," which belonged directly to the emperor. These shamanesses (), who were assisted by eunuchs, were managed by the "Office of Shamanism" (), a bureau under the authority of the Imperial Household Department. Only members of the imperial clan could attend such ceremonies.