The Archaeology of Shamanism

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This collection offers a comprehensive introduction to the archaeology of shamanism, integrating recent archaeological insights. It combines theoretical discussions with detailed case studies, addressing topics such as shamanic material culture, rituals surrounding death, soundscapes, and the interplay of shamanism with other belief systems like totemism. The volume begins with an exploration of shamanism as an anthropological concept, focusing primarily on the Northern Hemisphere, featuring case studies from regions including Greenland, Nepal, Siberia, and Kazakhstan. Spanning from the Upper Palaeolithic to contemporary times, the papers examine themes like gender, identity, landscape, architecture, and the interpretation of rock art, as well as the role of shamanism in the cultural identity of indigenous peoples. The collection also considers shamanic beliefs through the lens of cognitive neuroscience and modern perceptions of prehistoric shamanism. It is organized into four parts: the archaeology of shamanism, Siberia and Central Asia, North America and the North Atlantic, and Northern Europe, each contributing unique perspectives on shamanistic practices and their material manifestations across various cultures and historical contexts.