Reproduction and aggression: shamanic practices among Quichuas from Ecuador (Imbabura and Chimborazo Provinces)
Reproduction and aggression: shamanic practices among Quichuas from Ecuador (Imbabura and Chimborazo Provinces)

Summary/Abstract: This paper describes the contemporary shamanism among Quichua from the Ecuadorian Andes (Imbabura and Chimborazo provinces in the Sierra region), shaman’s roles and his status in local indigenous communities. Basing on the Quichua worldview, I show what the key elements of shamanic practices are and what is its importance to the continuity of Quichua life and culture. The thesis of this text is that shamanism has two complementary faces. The Quechua shamanism in Ecuador is based on social reproduction or construction (healing, maintaining the fertility of nature and people) and aggression at the same time (witchcraft)

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