Shamanic Cosmos: From India to the North Pole Star: no. 1 (Venetian Academy of Indian Studies, no. 1)

Book Detail

• Brand: D.K. Printworld Pvt. Ltd.
• Edition: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of Pages: 262
• Release Date: 30-04-2000
• EAN: 9788124601068
• Package Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches
• Languages: English

Description:
In Shamanism: A Biographical Perspective, Romano Matromattei explores the perplexing and multifaceted nature of the shaman. Is a shaman a magical operator, a psychic, an exorcist, or perhaps something else entirely? This book raises fundamental questions about the role and identity of the shaman in different cultures, seeking to untangle the mysteries surrounding their practices, cosmology, and societal significance.

Through a collection of scholarly essays by eminent experts in the field, this work delves into the shaman’s complex nature, examining whether shamanism constitutes an infra-religion, a cult, or a fully developed religion. The contributions presented in the book are based on studies conducted at an International Symposium held in Venice in October 1996, bringing together diverse perspectives from across Europe and the world.

The book offers in-depth analyses of traditional and modern shamanism, from the frozen plains of Siberia to the jungles of Orissa, the Himalayan valleys, and the islands of Indonesia. It explores how shamans undergo ecstatic trance states, their ability to journey between the realms of the living and the dead, and their unique relationship with spirits and gods.

This inquiry not only investigates shamanic practices but also the cosmologies and spiritual frameworks that underpin them, making it a valuable resource for ethnologists, anthropologists, religious historians, and anyone interested in the mystical and transformative world of shamanism.

Author Details:

• Romano Matromattei: A renowned scholar in the field of shamanism, Romano Matromattei’s work draws from extensive research and his participation in numerous ethnological studies. His focus on shamanic traditions provides deep insights into the complex roles of shamans in various cultural contexts.