The Ongoing Harm of the Term Shamanism: From Problematic Scholarly Misnomer to Evolving Cultural Appropriation

Abstract: This paper explores the ongoing and evolving harm caused by the misuse of the terms Shaman and Shamanism. Initially a scholarly misnomer predicated on a romanticization of the “primitive,” Shamanism has evolved to be a culturally appropriated term that continues to harm Indigenous communities. To what degree is the harm twofold – both misapplied and then appropriated? How do we wrestle with Indigenous ownership of the moniker “Shamanism” by Indigenous peoples far from the term’s home context? How can we best move forward with the aspirational dynamic of validating and legitimizing alternative spiritualities when the term Shamanism remains so acutely harmful?

Presenter bio: Eric D. Mortensen is the John A. Von Weissenfluh Professor of Religious Studies and Department Chair of Religious Studies & Ethics at Guilford College where he teaches courses on comparative religion and Asian religions. His research focuses on Tibetan and Himalayan folklore, animals in religion, divination, monsters, and invisible villages.

Presenter affiliation: Guilford College