Szamanizm Indian Matsigenka z peruwiańskiej Amazonii. Ilustracja wybranych aspektów szamanizmu pewnego ludu tubylczego

Summary

The text describes the shamanistic beliefs and practices of the Matsigenka Amerindians in the Peruvian Amazon, focusing on key elements such as saankariite beings, the use of visionary plants, and the roles of seripigari shamans. It also discusses the concept of matsikanari, or 'bad shaman,' and examines whether Matsigenka shamanism is still practiced today or has become a relic of the past. The information is drawn from existing literature and some fieldwork.

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Abstract

In this text, I describe shamanistic beliefs and practices of the Matsigenka Amerindians from the Peruvian Amazon. After an introductory section, I present the saankariite – beings from the Matsigenka cosmology which are important in the shamanism of this ethnic group. Then, I outline uses of visionary plants by the Matsigenka. This is followed by a descriptionof the functions of seripigari (Matsigenka shaman), shamanic sessions and myths concerning shamans. The subsequent section is dedicated to matsikanari/matsinti – sorcerer or “bad shaman.” In the final section, I raise the issue of whether the Matsigenka shamanism remains extant or rather belongs to the past. The text is based on existing literature and, to a lesser degree, on my own fieldwork among the Matsigenka.

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