Book Description
The shaman occupies a key role as a healer mediating between the world of the living and the world of spirits and is a potent figure in alternative medicine. Shamanism, a richly illustrated guide, looks at both historic and present-day manifestations, from the snowscapes of Siberia to the jungles of the Amazon. The book discusses visions, initiation rites, shamanic chants, shamanism and mental health, the shamanic use of plants, and the political and social background to the shaman's work. Also covered are the links between the shaman's sense of unity in nature and the recent growth of ecological consciousness in Western societies. *Includes more than 250 color illustrations that present a unique pictorial record of shamanism in practice and as represented in art and artifacts *Includes a detailed region-by-region survey of shamanism with full-color maps *Explores both spiritual and psychological aspects of the subject, as well as the relevance of shamanism to contemporary Western culture
About the Author
Piers Vitebsky is an anthropologist and Head of Social Sciences at the Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge, England. He is author of Dialogues with the Dead.
Shamanism FROM THE PUBLISHER
"The shaman occupies a key role as a healer, mediating between the world of the living and the world of spirits, and is a potent figure in alternative medicine. Shamanism, a richly illustrated guide, looks at both historic and present-day manifestations, from the snowscapes of Siberia to the jungles of the Amazon." "The book discusses visions, initiations rites, shamanic chants, shamanism and mental health, the shamanic use of plants, and the political and social background of the shaman's work. Also covered are the links between the shaman's sense of unity in nature and the recent growth of ecological consciousness in Western societies."--BOOK JACKET.
SYNOPSIS
The shaman occupies a key role as a healer mediating between the world of the living and the world of spirits and is a potent figure in alternative medicine. Shamanism, a richly illustrated guide, looks at both historic and present-day manifestations, from the snowscapes of Siberia to the jungles of the Amazon.
The book discusses visions, initiation rites, shamanic chants, shamanism and mental health, the shamanic use of plants, and the political and social background to the shamanﾽs work. Also covered are the links between the shamanﾽs sense of unity in nature and the recent growth of ecological consciousness in Western societies.
* Includes more than 250 color illustrations that present a unique pictorial record of shamanism in practice and as represented in art and artifacts
* Includes a detailed region-by-region survey of shamanism with full-color maps
* Explores both spiritual and psychological aspects of the subject, as well as the relevance of shamanism to contemporary Western culture
FROM THE CRITICS
KLIATT
Vitebsky begins with a long definition of shamanism in which he explores its worldview and the nature of its powers. He goes on to tell how it has functioned in the cultures of Asia, the Americas, and in "the rest of the world." He moves to the actual functioning of the shaman and how he applies his powers through trances and ecstasies, music, dance, words, and the use of herbs (including hallucinogens), his role in community life, and how contemporary persons understand shamanism. While older cultures may have accepted shamanist practices as a given, modern ones have a tendency to want to apply the scientific method. This reviewer's eye was caught especially by an account of an actual shamanic procedure that may be used to ease the effects of a famine or incurable illness. Vitebsky concludes with a list of "New Shamanic Movements," along with addresses and phone numbers. This is a colorful, beautifully designed book, full of short essays and pictures from ancient and modern sources, printed on heavy paper. The bibliography includes titles that will be of interest to the book's readers. An excellent choice where patrons are interested not only shamanism specifically but in Native American and other tribal spirituality. For libraries seeking a single, basic title in this area, this book contains an abundance of detailed, appealingly presented information and will serve very well. KLIATT Codes: SA—Recommended for senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 1995, Univ. of Oklahoma, 184p. illus. bibliog. index. 21cm., $12.95. Ages 16 to adult. Reviewer: Edna M. Boardman; Minot, ND , July 2001 (Vol. 35, No. 4)
Art & Photography
Book Info
