The Gist Pig Sacrifices and Talking Drums: Don't Squeeze the Shaman
14 snips
May 27, 2025 
Manvir Singh, an anthropologist and author of *Shamanism: The Timeless Religion*, shares riveting accounts from his decade with the Mentawai people of Indonesia. He explores the vibrant role of shamanism in their healing rituals and communal life. Singh discusses the intricate relationship between language and culture, revealing how metaphors shape worldviews. He also debates anthropology's position between science and humanities, and reflects on public sentiment regarding policing in the wake of George Floyd's murder, emphasizing the need for reform amid ongoing dialogues.
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Immersive Mentawai Fieldwork
- Manvir Singh first visited the Mentawai people in 2014 to study indigenous law and religion.
- His experiences with their shamanic practices redirected his life and inspired his book.
Language Reveals Cultural Worldview
- Learning the local language revealed the Mentawai worldview through metaphors like 'skywind' for death.
- Their rich use of metaphor shapes their perceptions in ways very different from Western thought.
Misinterpreting Social Norms
- Mentawai social norms are very physical and intimate, including open talk about genitalia.
- Singh initially misunderstood this as sexual advances, reflecting cultural differences in communication.
