The Dissenter

#1099 Manvir Singh - Shamanism: The Timeless Religion

May 19, 2025
Dr. Manvir Singh, an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at UC Davis and author of "Shamanism: The Timeless Religion," dives deep into the fascinating world of shamanism. He explores its historical roots and significance in modern society, particularly in industrialized cultures. Listeners will learn about his experiences with the Mentawe people of Siberut, the intricacies of shamanic rituals, and the relevance of trance states. Additionally, he challenges myths surrounding psychedelics and their role in shamanistic practices, offering new insights into this timeless tradition.
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INSIGHT

Defining Shamanism

  • Shamanism is defined by practitioners entering trance to access unseen realities.
  • Their role includes healing and divination, marking them as different from normal humans.
INSIGHT

Evidence for Ancient Shamanism

  • Evidence for prehistoric shamanism comes from burials, rock art, and contemporary hunter-gatherer practices.
  • Psychological tendencies and near universality support shamanism's ancient presence.
ANECDOTE

Fieldwork Experience in Siberut

  • Manvir Singh's fieldwork in Siberut revealed shamans with tattoos, distinctive clothing, and social influence.
  • These shamans held central political, medicinal, and religious roles in the community.
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