Ayahuasca and ‘Shamanism’
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Topics | Ayahuasca Shamanism |
| Keywords | Indigenous Context archaeology Commodification Tourism Colonialism Consumption sociology Phenomenon |
| Key points | Argues that the term 'shamanism' has colonial roots and its use in ayahuasca tourism perpetuates reductive and romanticised notions of indigenous cultures. |
Abstract
AbstractThis chapter provides a critical overview of the ayahuasca phenomenon within the context of global psychedelic tourism. It begins by exploring the terminological and psychopharmacological details of ayahuasca, then surveys key interdisciplinary literature on its use in both indigenous and Western contexts. The chapter critiques the problematic application of the term ‘shamanism’, revealing its colonial roots, and highlights how its contemporary use in tourism perpetuates reductive and romanticised notions of indigenous cultures.