LM05 Response Paper Shamanism and Altered States (1)

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School

California State University, Chico *

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Course

140

Subject

Anthropology

Date

Oct 30, 2023

Type

pdf

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Uploaded by MateGuineaPigMaster1349

1 LM05 Response Paper Shamanism and Altered States CSU Chico | ANTH140 The Jivaro tribe rooted in South America just like most cultures have a distinctive right of passage. These celebrations are typically a representation of their profound spiritual beliefs. With their deeply rooted spiritual beliefs, adult Jivaro fears that without a type of protective spirit youths will not make it to adulthood. To further explain the importance of spiritual attributes to Jivaros, all important events are celebrated through some form of spiritual event. It is said that one of the more important celebrations for the youth Jivaros is when they consume a hallucinogenic drink. “The use of hallucinogenic natema drink among the Jivaro makes it possible for almost anyone to achieve the trance state essential for the practice of shamanism. (Harner, Pg.2)” Considering how Jivaro culture emphasizes strongly the importance of their spiritual beliefs, It would make sense as to why most Jivaros feel the constant urge to have a spiritual connection or access these connections through the use of drugs. This would also support the question of why so many jivaro become shamans. Harner explains that “given the presence of the drug and the felt need to contact the ‘real’ or supernatural, world, it is not surprising that approximately one out of every four Jivaro men is a shaman. (Pg.2)” Considering what we know about drugs in our world today, I think we can all agree that most people who do drugs once or a few times, never completely stop. Is it wrong to think this is due to the addictive factor that comes with drugs? So by becoming shaman, essentially their “craving” for spiritual connection is filled regularly due to the fact that the main practice of shamanism includes the hallucinogenic drink. In fewer words, although I imagine there are more than just two reasons, so many Jivaro become shamans because it makes that drug-like state easily accessible. On the other hand the drug makes them feel fulfilled because it is designed to put you in a trance like state so you can have communication with the supernatural, so if your spiritual beliefs are super important to you, it would make sense to become a shaman as it would be easy for you to get that connection.

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