1.
What is the function of art in shamanistic religions? Explain and give at least 3
specific examples from different cultures.
4,5,6
Shamanism
is the ancient universal tradition whereby personal and tribal healing and
empowerment is nurtured, supervised and accomplished through the special skills and
services of a charismatic individual. This shaman may be male or female. In shamanism,
one enters an altered mental state—typically by using drums or rattles to create a sound
field that changes consciousness. The altered state, called a
shamanic journey,
is used to
gain help and wisdom. It is called a journey because the experience is one of going
someplace. In the journey the shaman encounters
helping
spirits
. These spirits are
experienced as a kind of consciousness that does not exist in a body. The spirits provide
help and guidance when properly approached.
the shaman can transcend normal
human consciousness and travel among different cosmological planes. As an intermediary
between the visible & invisible worlds, this powerful
wise one
is guardian of the tribe's
psychic and ecological health and welfare. All over the world, shamans encountered in the
last 200 years have functioned in the same basic manner using similar techniques.
The primary purposes of shamanic tradition are (a) to promote and increase order, health,
wealth and happiness of the individuals and the whole tribe, (b) to instill a common vision with
individual motivation, (c) to appease the ancestors and protect against evil influences (demons
of illness & bad luck), and (d) to divine hidden truths and/or the future. The shaman presides at
the soul-rituals of birth, marriage and death, and conducts the annual tribal ceremonies and
community sacrifices. These seasonal festivals promote harmony and balance within the tribe,
between men and women, and with the natural elements, the plants and the animals.
Various art forms were developed by shamans to create a receptive atmosphere, a
supranormal context for spiritual healing rituals. They are also used as sensory triggering
mechanisms to expand consciousness and/or induce shamanic trance states (both personally
and for the group).
Fundamental elements of shamanism: Everything can be communicated with if approached
properly.
This
preview
has intentionally blurred sections.
Sign up to view the full version.

This is the end of the preview.
Sign up
to
access the rest of the document.
- Fall '08
- Okamura
- specific examples, Sakyamuni, spirit world, Wandjinas
-
Click to edit the document details