This book examines the critical and often undervalued contributions of women to the culture, well-being, and subsistence of their communities as active, powerful, and wise ritual specialists.
From the Dalit midwives in India to the women of the Nahua region in the state of Morelos, Mexico, from the indigenous nations in Turtle Island in Canada to the shamans (male and female) of South Korea and Vietnam, there are still many vital indigenous cultures around the world in which women often hold positions of religious authority and leadership.
Women and Indigenous Religions addresses specific issues in the study of religion, such as the multifaceted tensions between indigenous traditions and gender and the genealogy of positions of authority in religion or spiritual matters. A close examination reveals that native religions, with their women specialists, are still a source of inspiration for millions of men and women even in the "advanced" areas in the world. This fact challenges the opinion that indigenous cultures are becoming extinct.
Coverage includes local practices in countries as diverse as Australia, Peru, India, Mexico, South Korea, Vietnam, Chile, Canada, and GuatemalaPresents information from interviews with women who serve as powerful sociopolitical agents, healers, leaders, and religious ritual specialists
- ISBN10 6612695803
- ISBN13 9786612695803
- Publish Date 31 August 2010 (first published 1 January 2010)
- Publish Status Active
- Out of Print 14 September 2011
- Publish Country US
- Imprint ABC-CLIO
- Format eBook
- Pages 248
- Language English