Shamanic and\or cognitive evolution
Documenta Praehistorica January 18, 2023 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.4312/dp.33.20 via DOAJ
Summary
New field data from ethnology and anthropology suggest a reinterpretation of shamanism, revealing mechanisms that contributed to early social life and intellectual history in prehistoric people. The study focuses on shamanic healing methods, rhythmic and motor patterns, and visual/symbolic representations, providing insights into their significance in community rituals.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | The study offers new interpretations of shamanism based on field data that highlight its role in the social and intellectual development of prehistoric societies. |
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Abstract
Many misconceptions have been associated with shamanism. Recent studies, however, show a way to reinterpret basic concepts concerning shamanism. New field data from ethnology/anthropology, and studies on cognitive evolution have provided new results to enable a reconstruction of some mechanisms which contributed to early developments in the social life and intellectual history of prehistoric people. Shamanic healing methods, simple rhythmic and motor patterns and visual/symbolic representations are the focus of this analytical paper.