"The ecstatic and inspirational religious practices referred to as shamanism have long fascinated European intellectuals, theorists of religion, and anthropologists. Yet, despite an extensive literature on curing and trances, the political and historical significance of shamanic activities has been largely neglected. Shamanism, History, and the State offers a major reappraisal of the topic, drawing together nine essays that explore the contexts of shamanic practice in ancient Rome, south Asia, Siberia, Polynesia, and elsewhere." "The contributors to the volume - distinguished anthropologists, classicists, and historians from England, Australia, and France - present new ways of thinking about social and historical connections and show that shamanism is not static and stable but always changing as a result of political dynamics and historical processes. They ask - and answer - important questions: What relationship have shamanic practices had with other indigenous forms of ritual authority? With state power? To what extent have these activities provided a focus for anticolonial protest? How have magic and cult activities been appropriated and internalized by states?" "This fascinating series of case studies exemplifies a new style of comparative anthropology. Shamanism, History, and the State will be essential reading for students and teachers of anthropology, classics, and comparative religion." "Contributors are Tamsyn Barton, Susan Bayly, Mary Beard, Maurice Bloch, Peter Gow, Roberte N. Hamayon, Stephen Hugh-Jones, Caroline Humphrey, and Nicholas Thomas."--BOOK JACKET.