article

Shaman and seer

American anthropologist, N. S. • 31 • Published In 1962 • Pages: 60-84

By: Loeb, Edwin Meyer.

Abstract

Loeb discusses the differences between the Mentaweian type of shaman or seer from that of the Siberian type which he calls in the text non-inspirational vs. inspirational. He then attempts to show that the seer is the oldest type of Indonesian medicine man and resembles the seer of all primitive cultures, and that the true shaman is a product of higher cultures (p. 60). The major part of the document, however, is devoted to a detailed discussion of the Pagai seer, his role, functions in the society, and the manner in which he (or she) obtains power. The work concludes with a discussion of Pagai sorcery.

HRAF PubDate

2000

Region

Asia

Sub Region

Southeast Asia

Document Type

article

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

John Beierle ; 1999

Field Date

1926

Coverage Date

not specified

Coverage Place

North and South Pagai, Mentawei Islands, west of Sumatra, Indonesia

Notes

By E. M. Loeb

Reprinted by permission of the original publishers Kraus Reprint Corporation, New York, 1962

Includes bibliographical references

LCCN

17015424

LCSH

Mentawai (Indonesian people)