Cognitive Neuroscience, Shamanism and the Rock Art of Native California
Anthropology of Consciousness March 1, 1998 David S. Whitley 68 citations
Combining ethnographic and cognitive neuroscience research sheds light on the origin and symbolism of Native Californian rock art. The ethnographic record shows that the art depicts mental imagery and somatic hallucinations from trance, representing supernatural experiences. A cognitive neuroscience perspective suggests the shamanistic state of consciousness was often unpleasant, involving negative emotions, rather than primarily ecstatic. Biochemical changes during trance required making rock art to preserve the memory of these experiences.