Szamanizm Indian Matsigenka z peruwiańskiej Amazonii. Ilustracja wybranych aspektów szamanizmu pewnego ludu tubylczego

Shamanistic beliefs and practices of the Matsigenka Amerindians from the Peruvian Amazon are described. The text introduces the saankariite beings from Matsigenka cosmology, outlines uses of visionary plants, and describes the functions of the seripigari (shaman), shamanic sessions, and related myths. It also covers the matsikanari/matsinti, a sorcerer or 'bad shaman.' The final section discusses whether Matsigenka shamanism remains extant or belongs to the past. The account draws on existing literature and the author's own fieldwork.

Study at a glance

Abstract

In this text, I describe shamanistic beliefs and practices of the Matsigenka Amerindians from the Peruvian Amazon. After an introductory section, I present the saankariite – beings from the Matsigenka cosmology which are important in the shamanism of this ethnic group. Then, I outline uses of visionary plants by the Matsigenka. This is followed by a descriptionof the functions of seripigari (Matsigenka shaman), shamanic sessions and myths concerning shamans. The subsequent section is dedicated to matsikanari/matsinti – sorcerer or “bad shaman.” In the final section, I raise the issue of whether the Matsigenka shamanism remains extant or rather belongs to the past. The text is based on existing literature and, to a lesser degree, on my own fieldwork among the Matsigenka.