The Flying Tiger: Women Shamans and Storytellers of the Amur

by Kira Van Deusen

Outsiders to the culture have long focused on the physical artifacts of shamanism - like the costume and drum - and on ritual healing practices, but far less is known about the images shamans and storytellers use to entertain, heal, and educate. Van Deusen describes the lives of the people of the Amur during a period of dramatic transition, as they attempt to find some way to relate ancient traditions to an uncertain future. She emphasizes the contributions of women - often overlooked in the literature on shamanism - in traditional and contemporary society, and their concerns with ecology and the education of children. Their magnificent embroidery, illustrated by the author's photographs, echoes these women's stories. The Flying Tiger will appeal to anyone interested in shamanism, storytelling and folklore, Russia, indigenous people, women's studies, and spirituality.

Genres: Travel

280 pages, Paperback

First published February 2, 2001

Reviews

[Anna]

Great stories from the Amur people, so ancient and so beautiful..Thank you Kira to bring these stories to us so we can read and learn..

[Hanka Toulavá]

Knížka, která vás na chvilku převede do Amuruské části Ruska, kde stále ještě dřímá tradiční život spolu s příběhy a šamankami. Každý příběh má své neopakované dobrodružství, krásu a skrývá tajemství.

[Stephanie]

Very entertaining and well written. Great for anyone who is interested in Shamanism or who just loves a good story or folktale.