
Shamanism
A Cross-Cultural Study of Beliefs and Practices
Gary Edson(Author)
McFarland & Co Inc (Publisher)
Published on 28. April 2014
Book
Paperback/Softback
295 pages
978-0-7864-9547-4 (ISBN)
Description
The ancient practice of shamanism touches many cultures and spiritual philosophies. This book offers an in-depth look at the beliefs and practices centered on the shaman, a person believed to have powers to heal and communicate with the spirit world. It explores shamanism and its associated myths, artifacts, and legends as a communally endorsed acknowledgment of the supernatural or spirit world that evolved in the Neolithic Period and continues to appeal today. The work is heavily illustrated, featuring more than 90 of the author's drawings of masks, fetishes, carvings and ongon, and 40 rare photographs of shamans, medicine men and women, and healers.
Reviews / Votes
"scholarly treatment of a subject critical for understanding the evolution of human psychology...he engages in a thought-provoking investigation into the need of our prehistoric ancestors for psychic equilibrium in face of the unknown and the threatening"-Against the Grain.More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Jefferson, NC
United States
Target group
Interest Age: From 18 years
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
143 photos, notes, bibliography, index
Dimensions
Height: 254 mm
Width: 178 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
561 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7864-9547-4 (9780786495474)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Gary Edson, professor emeritus of museum science at the Center for Advanced Study of Museum Science and Heritage Management at the Museum of Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, was executive director of the Museum for 25 years. The author of numerous books and articles on museum practices, he lives and works in Taiwan, R.O.C.
Content
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Preface
1. Spiritual Exaltation
2. Shamanism and Belief
3. Shamanistic Power and Magic
4. Shamanistic Symbolism
5. Shamanism and Imaginative Representation
6. Shamanic Ritual and Transformation
7. Shamanic Divination and Curing
8. Spirits, Dreams, and Ecstasy
9. Transformation and Shape-Shifting
10. Life, Death, and Sacrifice
11. Transcendental Shamanism
Notes to the Captions
Notes to the Text
Bibliography
About the Photographs
About the Drawings
Index
Acknowledgments
Preface
1. Spiritual Exaltation
2. Shamanism and Belief
3. Shamanistic Power and Magic
4. Shamanistic Symbolism
5. Shamanism and Imaginative Representation
6. Shamanic Ritual and Transformation
7. Shamanic Divination and Curing
8. Spirits, Dreams, and Ecstasy
9. Transformation and Shape-Shifting
10. Life, Death, and Sacrifice
11. Transcendental Shamanism
Notes to the Captions
Notes to the Text
Bibliography
About the Photographs
About the Drawings
Index