Eliade's Shamanism: Archaic Techniques Of Ecstasy

In the Book Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy, Eliade explains to the reader what shamanism is according to his findings, and research. Shamanism does not have a set definition, it is a combination of religions and practices. Although, Eliade does give a safe definition of Shamanism, "a first definition of this complex phenomenon, and perhaps the least hazardous will be: shamanism=technique of ecstasy." The reason behind this definition is due to the idea that a shaman goes into a different realm or world while under the effects of ecstasy. It is during this time that he is able to accomplish healing, among other abilities. Shamanism involves magic-like powers, where he is able to leave his soul to the heavens or the underworld.

It seems that Shamans are mostly a male role practice, however, it does not mean that women do not partake in it. Eliade does not mention females often in his writing, perhaps it's because in his findings there were not many insights on female shamans. Males have been the primary, dominant gender in the shamanic cultures. "Among the Ostyak it is sometimes the father himself who chooses his successor among his sons." I believe the reason for the male to become a shaman and not a female is due to the initiation process, although this might not be 100% true. The initiation process requires a great amount of endurance, a characteristic in which the female gender is not portrayed to have. "They pierced him with arrows until he lost consciousness and feel to the ground; they cut off his flesh, tore out his bones and counted them; if one had been missing, he could not have become a shaman. during this operation he went for a whole summer without eating or drinking." Eliade mentions that a woman became shamaness due to a vision of her being cut into pieces by others, in the shamanic culture only ancestors are allowed to do that. That proves that women can also become shamans. Yet, It was troubling that Eliade used a female figure to describe such dishonor of becoming shamaness, being this one of the few occasion when a woman is mentioned in chapter two. Another insight in chapter two is the following, "A young man or woman who wishes to become a shaman goes with a gift to the masters selected..." It is important to note that Eliade made a word choice in this sentence, to put man before woman, this clearly shows the superiority in gender. Not only Eliade word choice give a Crystal clear image on male dominance, but the findings also help the reader detect gender differences. For example, "The instruction period is not long,