Shamanism in North America
Type
Book
Authors
ISBN 10
1552634809
ISBN 13
9781552634806
Category
200-299 Religion
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Publication Year
2002
Publisher
Pages
232
Subject
Shamanism -- North America. Indians of North America -- Religion. Indians of North America -- Rites and ceremonies.
Tags
Abstract
Presents the author's research into the traditions and practices of shamans across North America, with illustrations and photographs of masks, effigies, and other implements used by shamans.
Description
Publisher Comments
Includes bibliographical references (p. 226-227) and index.
Synopsis
Shamanism has ancient roots. It stems from the beliefs of ancient hunting cultures but was adapted to fit the needs of agricultural communities where the role of the shaman integrated with that of the priest.
Native Americans believed that it was their responsibility to maintain harmony in the natural world on which they depended by performing a variety of rituals. Hunters blessed the animals they sought in the hope of their acquiescence, farmers blessed their fields and seedlings to ensure a bountiful harvest. Shamans were credited with exceptional powers to act on behalf of the community. They claimed to be capable of separating their spirits from their bodies and interceding with those spirits that controlled the many forces of nature.
This book records the author's research into the traditions and practices of shamans across North America. Illustrations include remarkable photographs of masks, effigies, and implements used by shamans that are in the National Museum of the American Indian, Field Museum of Natural History, Canadian Museum of Civilization, and Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnology.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 226-227) and index.
Synopsis
Shamanism has ancient roots. It stems from the beliefs of ancient hunting cultures but was adapted to fit the needs of agricultural communities where the role of the shaman integrated with that of the priest.
Native Americans believed that it was their responsibility to maintain harmony in the natural world on which they depended by performing a variety of rituals. Hunters blessed the animals they sought in the hope of their acquiescence, farmers blessed their fields and seedlings to ensure a bountiful harvest. Shamans were credited with exceptional powers to act on behalf of the community. They claimed to be capable of separating their spirits from their bodies and interceding with those spirits that controlled the many forces of nature.
This book records the author's research into the traditions and practices of shamans across North America. Illustrations include remarkable photographs of masks, effigies, and implements used by shamans that are in the National Museum of the American Indian, Field Museum of Natural History, Canadian Museum of Civilization, and Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnology.
Biblio Notes
Document Type: Book
All Authors / Contributors: Norman Bancroft-Hunt
ISBN: 1552976785 9781552976784
OCLC Number: 50860297
Notes: Originally published: Toronto : Key Porter Books, 2002.
Description: 232 pages : illustrations (chiefly color) ; 26 cm
Contents: The half-world of the Eskimo Aleut --
The power of their dreams : subarctic and Great Lakes --
The north end of the world : northwest coast shamanism --
The encircled mountain : southwest shamanism --
The first man : Californian shamanism --
The sacred hoop : plains shamanism --
Werowances and soothsayers : southeast shamanism.
Responsibility: Norman Bancroft Hunt.
All Authors / Contributors: Norman Bancroft-Hunt
ISBN: 1552976785 9781552976784
OCLC Number: 50860297
Notes: Originally published: Toronto : Key Porter Books, 2002.
Description: 232 pages : illustrations (chiefly color) ; 26 cm
Contents: The half-world of the Eskimo Aleut --
The power of their dreams : subarctic and Great Lakes --
The north end of the world : northwest coast shamanism --
The encircled mountain : southwest shamanism --
The first man : Californian shamanism --
The sacred hoop : plains shamanism --
Werowances and soothsayers : southeast shamanism.
Responsibility: Norman Bancroft Hunt.
Number of Copies
1
