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What the Book Explores

Michael Taussig’s Shamanism, Colonialism, and the Wildman examines the intersection of colonial power, the representation of indigenous peoples, and the persistence of shamanistic practices in the face of Western expansion. The author delves into the historical and anthropological literature concerning the ‘wildman’ – a recurring figure in European thought representing the untamed, ‘primitive’ other – and argues that this figure is inextricably linked to colonial projects and the suppression of indigenous knowledge. He explores how shamanism, often dismissed as superstition by colonial authorities, served as a site of resistance and adaptation for colonized populations. Taussig investigates the mimetic faculty – the human capacity for imitation and empathy – as a crucial element in understanding both the colonial encounter and the enduring power of shamanistic rituals.

Historical / Cultural Context

Published in 1987, this work emerged within a period of critical re-evaluation of colonial history and anthropology. Post-structuralist thought, particularly the work of Michel Foucault and Jacques Derrida, were influencing academic discourse, leading to a questioning of traditional narratives of progress and a greater attention to power dynamics. Taussig’s work builds upon this intellectual climate, contributing to a growing body of scholarship challenging Eurocentric perspectives. The book draws heavily from ethnographic studies of South American indigenous cultures, particularly those in Colombia and the Amazon region, where Taussig conducted fieldwork. It reflects a broader interest in understanding the psychological and cultural impacts of colonialism and the ways in which colonized peoples actively negotiated and resisted colonial rule.

Who This Book Is For

This book is primarily aimed at academic readers with an interest in anthropology, history, postcolonial studies, and cultural studies. However, its accessible writing style and compelling subject matter also make it relevant to general readers interested in the complexities of colonialism and the enduring relevance of indigenous cultures. It is particularly valuable for those seeking a nuanced understanding of the relationship between power, representation, and belief. The book also appeals to readers interested in the history of shamanism and its role in resistance to colonial domination.

Further Reading

• Orientalism by Edward Said (1978): A foundational text in postcolonial studies, exploring the ways in which Western representations of the “Orient” served to justify colonial rule.
• The Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon (1961): A powerful and influential analysis of the psychological effects of colonialism on both the colonizer and the colonized.
• Darkness at Noon by Arthur Koestler (1940): While a work of fiction, it explores the psychological manipulation used by totalitarian regimes, relating to the power dynamics within colonialism.

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