Shamans' Qualities in Emic Discourse
Sibirica 2010 DOI: 10.3167/sib.2010.090203 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that Nanay shamans are informally ranked by effectiveness and healing power through discursive activities, and that they avoid direct interaction with one another as a conflict avoidance strategy while maintaining close community relationships. |
Abstract
This article discusses the sociological hierarchies among Nanay shamans. The shamans evaluate one another and the community also evaluates them, ranking them in myriad informal ways in terms of effectiveness with spirits and healing power. These rankings come about through discursive activities associated with recounting shamanic healing and other ritual practices. While shamans try to maintain close communicative and social relationships with their community, they actively avoid direct interaction with one another as part of a conflict avoidance strategy.