Uses and Abuses of Ayahuasca in the Upper Amazon

Abstract: This paper will address the shamanic practice of partaking of the indigenous Amazonian brew known as ayahuasca. This practice has become extremely popular in the global north, attracting tourists to the Amazonian region in search of this brew. This popularity has inevitably given rise to abuses of power in its use. However, the nature of the abuse of power differs between the more recent tourism practices and the more ancient use of this shamanic brew for harming purposes. The paper will address these differences as well as emphasize the necessary behavioral and dietary restrictions that must accompany its use.

Presenter bio: Frédérique Apffel-Marglin is Professor Emerita, Department of Anthropology at Smith College. She founded the Sachamama Center for Biocultural Regeneration in the Peruvian High Amazon in 2009. Her latest book, with her adopted son at her center, Randy Chung Gonzales, is: Initiated by the Spirits, Green Fire Pr 2022.

Presenter affiliation: Smith College