article
Shamanistic symptoms or symbols?: a case of indetermination (the body of the Guajiro shaman)
Anthropos • 82 • Published In 1987 • Pages: 567-580
By: Perrin, Michel.
Abstract
The way the Guajiro or their shamans describe the signs of a shamanistic calling and function suggests to a Western observer that these signs are symptoms of mental disorders, more precisely of hysteria. In Guajiro thinking, however, these signs, which leave imprints on the shaman's physical constitution, are true symbols. Their designation and their underlying meaning attest to a specific representation in which the future shamans are persons singled out by 'the other world' - that hidden and powerful other face of this world - with which they have to communicate at will. Any Guajiro, normal or abnormal, who wants to become a shaman, has to fit in this cultural model suggesting hysteria. Logically then it is impossible to settle the much-debated question of whether or not the shaman is normal. Moreover, the Guajiro have their own descriptions of what an abnormal shaman is. And, furthermore, the anthropologist can pinpoint marginal uses of a 'bent for shamanism' to try to resolve psychological problems (p. 579).
- HRAF PubDate
- 2012
- Region
- South America
- Sub Region
- Northwestern South America
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- John Beierle; 2011
- Field Date
- 1969-1985
- Coverage Date
- 1969-1985
- Coverage Place
- Venezuela and Columbia, South America
- Notes
- Michel Perrin
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 579-580)
- LCCN
- 07021775
- LCSH
- Goajiro Indians