
Paperback
$89.50
Aims to ship in 10 to 15 business days
When will this arrive by?
Enter delivery postcode to estimate
In this book, Gregory Shushan explores the relationships between near-death experiences, shamanism, and beliefs about the afterlife in traditional indigenous societies in Africa, North America, and Oceania. Drawing on historical accounts of the earliest encounters with explorers, missionaries, and ethnologists, this study addresses questions such as: Do ideas about the afterlife commonly originate in NDEs? What role does culture play in how people experience and interpret NDEs? How can we account for cross-cultural similarities and differences between afterlife beliefs? Though NDEs are universal, Shushan shows that how they are actually experienced and interpreted varies by region and culture. As the historical documents reveal, in North America, they were commonly valorized, and attempts were made to replicate them through shamanic rituals. In Africa, however, they were largely considered aberrational events with links to possession or sorcery. In Oceania, Micronesia corresponded more to the African model, while Australia had a greater focus on afterlife journey shamanism. Polynesia and Melanesia showed an almost casual acceptance of the phenomenon as reflected in numerous myths, legends, and historical accounts.
This study examines the continuum of similarities and differences between NDEs, shamanism, and afterlife beliefs in dozens of cultures throughout these regions. In the process, it makes a valuable contribution to our knowledge about the origins of afterlife beliefs around the world and the significance of related experiences in human history.
Industry Reviews
ISBN: 9780197685433
ISBN-10: 0197685439
Published: 21st July 2023
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Number of Pages: 320
Audience: Professional and Scholarly
Publisher: Oxford University Press USA
Country of Publication: GB
Dimensions (cm): 30.1 x 23.6 x 2.1
Weight (kg): 0.47
Shipping
Standard Shipping | Express Shipping | |
---|---|---|
Metro postcodes: | $9.99 | $14.95 |
Regional postcodes: | $9.99 | $14.95 |
Rural postcodes: | $9.99 | $14.95 |
How to return your order
At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.
Additional postage charges may be applicable.
Defective items
If there is a problem with any of the items received for your order then the Booktopia Customer Care team is ready to assist you.
For more info please visit our Help Centre.
You Can Find This Book In
This product is categorised by
- Non-FictionReligion & BeliefsReligionComparative Religion
- Non-FictionReligion & BeliefsReligionPhilosophy of Religion
- Non-FictionPsychologyPsychological Theory, Systems, Schools of Thought & Viewpoints
- Non-FictionReligion & BeliefsReligionReligious Issues & Debates
- Non-FictionReligion & BeliefsOther Non-Christian ReligionsTribal Religions
- Non-FictionSociology & AnthropologyAnthropologySocial & Cultural Anthropology, Ethnography