The Jívaro

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A classic ethnographic account of this freedom-loving people of South America, written for the scholar and layperson alike. The Jivaro (Shuar) are unusual among many shamanic peoples in the degree to which they focus on Middle World spirit helpers. The Middle World cross-culturally is complex in terms of the kinds of spirit helpers that can be found there; almost all can both help and cause trouble. In the Foundation's programs, spirit helpers are primarily sought in the Upper and Lower Worlds, where there are - as far as has been discovered - only compassionate helping spirits. That being said, the Jivaro provide a fascinating look at a shamanic people who work with Middle World spirit helpers in complex ways, with both healing and harmful results.