| Shamanism and the Origin of States: Spirit, Power, and Gender in East Asia Contributor(s): Nelson, Sarah Milledge (Author) |
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ISBN: 1598741330 ISBN-13: 9781598741339 Publisher: Routledge OUR PRICE: $46.54 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: May 2008 Annotation: Sarah Milledge Nelsonas bold thesis is that the development of states in East AsiaaChina, Japan, Koreaawas an outgrowth of the leadership in smaller communities guided by shamans. Using a mixture of historical documents, mythology, archaeological data, and ethnographic studies of contemporary shamans, she builds a case for shamans being the driving force behind the blossoming of complex societies. More interesting, shamans in East Asia are generally women, who used their access to the spirit world to take leadership roles. This work challenges traditional interpretations growth of Asian states, which is overlaid with later Confucian notions of gender roles. Written at a level accessible for undergraduates, this concise work will be fascinating reading for those interested in East Asian archaeology, politics, and society; in gender roles, and in shamanism. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Political Science | History & Theory - General - Religion | Religion, Politics & State - Body, Mind & Spirit | Shamanism |
| Dewey: 201.440 |
| LCCN: 2008019852 |
| Physical Information: 0.6" H x 5.9" W x 8.8" (0.90 lbs) 304 pages |
| Themes: - Chronological Period - Ancient (To 499 A.D.) - Cultural Region - East Asian |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Sarah Milledge Nelson's bold thesis is that the development of states in East Asia--China, Japan, Korea--was an outgrowth of the leadership in smaller communities guided by shamans. Using a mixture of historical documents, mythology, archaeological data, and ethnographic studies of contemporary shamans, she builds a case for shamans being the driving force behind the blossoming of complex societies. More interesting, shamans in East Asia are generally women, who used their access to the spirit world to take leadership roles. This work challenges traditional interpretations growth of Asian states, which is overlaid with later Confucian notions of gender roles. Written at a level accessible for undergraduates, this concise work will be fascinating reading for those interested in East Asian archaeology, politics, and society; in gender roles, and in shamanism. |