Shamanism in Secular Arenas
Oxford Scholarship Online March 22, 2018 DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780190678821.003.0007
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe shaman figure appeals to contemporary desires across cultural domains beyond religion and spirituality. Through the stories and imagery promoted by spiritual entrepreneur Esther Utsi, hybrid products inspired by Sámi shamanism have emerged that serve tourism, entertainment, and regional development, reaching diverse audiences with varied needs.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Hybrid products based on Sámi shamanism, as exemplified by Esther Utsi, cater to tourism, entertainment, and regional development needs. |
Abstract
The figure of the shaman seems to fit exceptionally well into contemporary structures of needs and motivations in different cultural areas beyond the religious-spiritual field. By exploring the stories and images that are the focus of the spiritual entrepreneur Esther Utsi, I elaborate how, in the wake of Sámi shamanism, a variety of hybrid products have been established, catering for broader audiences and for a variety of needs, including tourism, entertainment, and regional development.