Taussig, Michael

1 min read

Taussig, Michael – Professor of anthropology at Columbia University. Taussig’s book Shamanism, Colonialism, and the Wild Man: A Study of Terror and Healing (1987) provides the foremost consideration of the work of Amazonian shamans confronted by and confronting the devastation of colonialism. It not only discusses healing, performance, and sorcery but also considers shamans’ political and cultural leadership (even when they may be marginal, ambiguous, and even feared members of their communities). Taussig also documents the widespread suspicion that European colonialism itself is a form of sorcery or “magia” that shamans, some using ayahuasca (yagé), can attempt to combat. Similar accusations against those who succeed or become rich are significant aspects of witchcraft discourse not only in Amazonia but also in Africa and elsewhere. All of this contributes to an understanding of the resilience of indigenous cultures, especially as they incorporate elements of originally discrete cultural practices and knowledge. Taussig’s work is an important challenge to romantic views of shamans as heroic and exceptional characters. His earthy, bawdy, and matter-of-fact confrontation with the devastating facts of colonial life roots his books in a more gritty reality, albeit sometimes in a trickster-like manner.

SOURCE:

Historical Dictionary of Shamanism by Graham Harvey and Robert J. Wallis 2007

BOOKS FOR YOU TO READ IN OUR LIBRARY:

Previous Story

Tart, Charles T.

Next Story

Techno-Shamans

Latest from Blog

Eugène Deloncle

Eugène Deloncle was a French businessman and far-right political activist who lived from 1890 to 1944.…

Thixo

Thixo is a creator god in Xhosa mythology. In Xhosa culture, Thixo is considered the highest…

Aziza

In Tuareg mythology, Aziza are protective spirits or genies that are believed to inhabit natural features…

Irikuden

Irikuden is a legendary hero in Tuareg mythology, who is revered as a symbol of strength,…

Tin Hinan

Tin Hinan is a legendary figure in Tuareg mythology, who is considered the mother of the…