Shamanism and the Origin of States: Spirit, Power, and Gender

Shamanism and the Origin of States: Spirit, Power, and Gender in East Asia
- Used Book in Good Condition
Sarah Milledge Nelsonâ€™s bold thesis is that the development of states in East Asiaâ€•China, Japan, Koreaâ€•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 Using a mixture of historical documents, mythology, archaeological data, and ethnographic studies of contemporary shamans, she builds a case for shamans being the driving force behind the blossoming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.
Country USA
Brand Routledge
Manufacturer Routledge
Binding Paperback
UnitCount 1
EANs 9781598741339
ReleaseDate 2008-07-31

Shamanism and the Origin of States: Spirit, Power, and Gender in East Asia