Networks shamanic, charlatanism and interethnic processes: a comparative analysis

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5433/2176-6665.2012v17n1p62

Keywords:

Shamanism, Curanderismo, Sibundoy, Siona

Abstract

This article examines the historical, social and demographic factors that contributed to the changing roles of shamans among two indigenous groups of Colombia. The shamans of the Valley of Sibundoy strengthened their healing role during the 20TH century through articulation with popular medical practices known as curanderismo. However, during this same period, the Siona shamans, located in the Amazonian lowlands, lost their position as religious-political leaders and ceased to practice their rituals for two decades. Through this comparison, it is argued that shamanism should be seen as a constantly changing phenomenon that emerges out of the interplay of social, cultural, historical and demographic factors in specific situations. The role of the shaman is not a homogeneous phenomenon, but one that is in continuous construction depending upon social actors in particular contexts.

Author Biography

Esther Jean Langdon, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina - UFSC

PhD in Anthropology from Tulane University - TULANA. Professor at the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina - UFSC.

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Published

2012-03-18

How to Cite

JEAN LANGDON, Esther. Networks shamanic, charlatanism and interethnic processes: a comparative analysis. Mediações - Revista de Ciências Sociais, Londrina, v. 17, n. 1, p. 62–84, 2012. DOI: 10.5433/2176-6665.2012v17n1p62. Disponível em: https://ojs.uel.br/revistas/uel/index.php/mediacoes/article/view/2012.v17n1p63. Acesso em: 30 jun. 2024.

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