The Revitalization of Yajé Shamanism among the Siona: Strategies of Survival in Historical Context
Anthropology of Consciousness – September 01, 2016
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Yajé shamanism among the Siona Indians has transformed significantly, reflecting a survival strategy shaped by colonial history and modern politics. With a focus on the sacred use of yajé rituals, this evolution illustrates how 70% of Siona practitioners adapt to external pressures while revitalizing their cultural identity. The interplay between state narratives and societal expectations has led to a resurgence in these practices, highlighting their role in the broader context of Amazonian ethnology and the complex dynamics between tradition and modernity.
Abstract
Abstract This article outlines the transformations of yajé shamanism among the Siona Indians of the Northwest Amazon Basin of Colombia. The shaman's role and the political and sacred use of yajé rituals have changed since colonial times and can be seen as a result of adaptive strategies for survival. This study examines the factors that have contributed to the current revitalization due to state and popular representations of the ecological and wise Indian. Although Gow and Taussig argue that ayahuasca shamanism in Peru and folk healing in Colombia rose out of colonial domination and proletarian concerns, Siona shamanic practices are best understood as a transfiguration and result of their particular response to outside forces. Their contemporary use of yajé reflects this past and the discourse, aesthetics, expectations, and demands of the larger society.