| Shamanism and the Ancient Mind: A Cognitive Approach to Archaeology Contributor(s): Pearson, James L. (Author) |
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ISBN: 0759101558 ISBN-13: 9780759101555 Publisher: Altamira Press OUR PRICE: $129.20 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: February 2002 Annotation: A study of archaeological evidence for Shamanism in North America and how it links to the archaeology of the mind. Visit our website for sample chapters! |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Social Science | Archaeology - Body, Mind & Spirit | Shamanism - Religion | Antiquities & Archaeology |
| Dewey: 930.101 |
| LCCN: 2001046041 |
| Series: Archaeology of Religion (Hardcover) |
| Physical Information: 0.73" H x 7.74" W x 9.1" (0.98 lbs) 208 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Pearson brings a cogent, well-argued case for the understanding of much prehistoric art as shamanistic practice. Using the theoretical premises of cognitive archaeology and a careful examination of rock art worldwide, Pearson is able to dismiss other theories of why ancient peoples produced art_totemism, art-for-art's sake, structuralism, hunting magic. Then examining both ethnographic and neuropsychological evidence, he makes a strong case for the use of shamanistic ritual and hallucinogenic substances as the genesis of much prehistoric art. Bolstered with examples from contemporary cultures and archaeological sites around the world, Pearson's thesis should be of interest not only to archaeologists, but art historians, psychologists, cultural anthropologist, and the general public. |