Will the Real Shaman Please Stand Up?
Oxford University Press eBooks – June 18, 2014
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Ayahuasca adoption can occur rapidly among indigenous groups, as seen with the Matsigenka and Yora (Nahua) of southern Peru. The Matsigenka began using the brew in the 1950s after previously utilizing only Banisteriopsis liana, while the Yora adopted ayahuasca following devastating disease outbreaks in 1985, completely replacing their earlier shamanic practices. These cases illustrate that the integration of ayahuasca into indigenous rituals is not only recent but also reflects significant adaptability and diversity in spiritual practices, paralleling urban ayahuasca trends.
Abstract
Abstract The ayahuasca brew (Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis) was introduced very recently among the Matsigenka and Yora (Nahua) indigenous people of southern Peru. The Matsigenka used Banisteriopsis liana previously, however they did not learn to add the potent Psychotria admixture in preparing the brew until the 1950s. Introduction of ayahuasca to the Yora (Nahua) was even more recent and drastic. Shortly after their contact and decimation by contagious diseases beginning in 1985, the Yora adopted ayahuasca and abandoned previous shamanic substances and rituals. These two case studies demonstrate how quickly and completely ayahuasca shamanism can be adopted, supporting the idea that widespread ayahuasca use even among indigenous populations may be fairly recent. The studies also attest to diversity and dynamism in indigenous practices on par with the differences observed among various urban ayahuasca practices.