Indigenous psilocybin mushroom practices: An annotated bibliography
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – February 19, 2024
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
An essential annotated bibliography compiles 49 texts on Indigenous psilocybin mushroom practices, offering crucial contextualization. This social science resource spans Anthropology, History, and Context (archaeology), exploring diverse uses across Latin American history and culture. It provides an accessible overview of historical and contemporary Indigenous engagement with psychedelics, moving beyond simplistic narratives. The collection, drawing from Library science and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, critically appraises research, including aspects of chemical synthesis and alkaloids, fostering a more nuanced understanding of Indigenous contributions to the global conversation around psilocybin.
Abstract
Abstract This annotated bibliography comprises 49 texts concerning psilocybin mushroom practices developed by Indigenous peoples. The books and articles have been selected for their academic rigor, relevance, and historical significance, and to foreground overlooked research and subject matter. This includes research on a plurality of contemporary practices and evidence of historical uses, from cultural traditions in Mexico and other regions of the world. The curated texts are sourced from various disciplines, including anthropology, history, archaeology, ethnolinguistics, and ethnomycology. Employing diverse methodological and analytical frameworks, the texts explore the diversity of ways Indigenous cultures have related with, utilized, and conceptualized psilocybin mushrooms and the effects occasioned by their consumption. The annotations include brief summaries of the texts, contextualization of the research, and more critical appraisals. The aim of this annotated bibliography is to offer the reader a diverse overview of the research to date and provide an accessible resource for further exploration of historical and contemporary Indigenous psilocybin practices. The team of psychedelic researchers behind this annotated bibliography hope it will contribute to more nuanced dialogue around Indigenous people and practices in the context of the so-called psychedelic renaissance.