Sorecery and Shamanism: Curanderos and Clients in Northern Peru
Anthropology of Consciousness June 1, 1996 Kirsten Bonde
In northern Peru, curanderos (healers) blend sorcery and shamanism to treat clients, using rituals, psychoactive plants, and spiritual cleansing. The book examines the social roles of these healers, their relationships with clients, and the cultural logic behind their practices. It argues that curanderismo addresses physical and psychological ailments by mediating between the human and spirit worlds, reflecting broader Andean beliefs. Case studies show how healing sessions reinforce community ties and personal identity.