article

Shamanistic symptoms or symbols?: a case of indetermination (the body of the Guajiro shaman)

Anthropos82 • 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).
Subjects
Shamans and psychotherapists
Magical and mental therapy
Theory of disease
Spirits and gods
Theory of disease
Sexuality
Recreational and non-therapeutic drugs
Personality disorders
culture
Goajiro
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