Shamanism in North America

by Norman Bancroft Hunt

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.

Genres: Spirituality, Anthropology

232 pages, Hardcover

First published September 18, 2002

About the author

Graduated from Kingston School of Art in 1968. He was elected fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute in 1975 and is currently a lecturer and researcher in visual theory and cultural studies at the Kent Institute of Art and Design. He is the author of numerous books on Native American art and culture, including Historical Atlas of Ancient America, from Facts On File/Checkmark Books, and the award-winning People of the Totem"

Reviews

[Grady Ormsby · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took almost a year, buy I finally finished. Interesting, but not fascinating. The view was too broad for my taste. Perhaps I should have read a book about shamanism that studied one culture in detail instead of several cultures generally.

[Amy Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive overview of North American tribal shamans with many pictures. A dense read, but full of good information.