Piers Vitebsky

An anthropologist describes life among the Eveny people of Siberia, detailing their nomadic way of life in one of the most inhospitable places on Earth, their close relationship with the reindeer who share their environment, and their successful survival despite their harsh living conditions and Soviet efforts at control. Reprint.

Living with Animals and Spirits in Siberia

The Reindeer People

Piers Vitebsky's study of religion and psychology in tribal India focuses upon a unique form of dialogue between the living and the dead which is conducted through the medium of a shaman in trance. The dead sometimes nurture their living descendants, yet at the same time they inflict upon them the very illnesses from which they themselves have died. Through intimate dialogue, the Sora use the occasion of death to explore their closest emotional attachments in all their ambivalence. Dr Vitebsky analyses the actors' words and relationships over several years and develops a typology of moods among the dead and kinds of memory among the living. In comparing Sora shamanism with the treatment of bereavement in psychoanalysis and psychotherapy, he highlights a contrast in their assumptions which has far-reaching consequences for the social and professional scope of the two kinds of practice.

The Discussion of Mortality Among the Sora of Eastern India

Dialogues with the Dead

Duncan Baird Publishers

Tom Lowenstein

Native American Myth

Mother Earth, Father Sky

Explore the rich worldview of the first Americans, from creation stories to tales of the afterlife. Learn about the ceremonies and rituals that connect these people to each other and to the earth and animals that are so revered in Native American cultures.

To the underworld with Ononti the shamaness -- Leopard power and police power, the jungle and the state -- What the living and the dead have to say to each other -- Memories without rememberers -- Young Monosi changes his world forever -- Doloso complicates the future of his mountaintop village -- Shocked by Baptists -- Christians die mute -- Redeemers human and divine -- Youth economics: life after sonums -- Dancing with alphabet worshippers: once and future hindus? -- Interlude: government kitsch and the old prophet's new message -- Six remarkable women and their destinies -- Epilogue: spiritual ecosystems and loss of theo-diversity

Loss and Redemption in a Jungle Cosmos

Living Without the Dead

Tony Allan

Text and illustrations provide an introduction to the myths and legends of the Greeks and Romans.

Greek and Roman Myth

Triumph of the Hero

Examines the myths and beliefs of Native Americans.

Piers Vitebsky

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