Shamanism

Shamanism has revived as a topic of anthropological interest despite predictions of its demise, but it has not generated much new theory. Based on ethnographic work in Mongolia and Inner Asia, this chapter argues that shamanism can be understood as an ultimate cosmology or theory of change, one that could potentially end all theories of change. Change is central to transition, and shamans and their spirits make this inherent ontological instability visible and possibly livable. The chapter contends that shamanism's unique theoretical potential lies in its capacity to be simultaneously "a thing" and "not a thing," a quality not yet fully harnessed.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Despite repeated pronouncements concerning its imminent death as a topic worthy of anthropological attention, shamanism has experienced a revival. However, it has not been subject to or the vehicle of much new and influential theorizing. Based on ethnographic work in Mongolia and Inner Asia, this chapter seeks to do some of the conceptual groundwork for a workable theorization of shamanism. The chapter suggests that shamanism can be conceived of as the ultimate cosmology or indeed theory of change that could potentially end all theories of change. Change, after all is the essence of transition, and the shamans and their spirits are optimally capable of rendering this immanent ontological lability visible, and, possibly, livable. It is precisely in this capacity for being simultaneously “a thing” and “not a thing,” the chapter argues, that the unique and not yet fully harnessed theoretical potential of shamanism resides.