Call for Papers - ISARS 2015, Delphi (Greece) - Sacred Landscapes and Conflict Transformation. History, Space, Place and Power in Shamanism

Sep 29, 2014 | International Society for Academic Research on Shamanism (ISARS)

In many parts of the world the wide array of religious-healing complexes defined as shamanism are mainly linked to ancient oral cultures and societies. Of course, the role of shamanism and shamans is not limited to addressing illnesses and misfortunes. Shamans are the main actors in shaping and preserving sacred landscapes both on the human and other-than-human levels. At the same time, they often deal with historical and mythical events. Therefore, shamans become powerful political figures. In the last decades, their voices have assumed new vigor, empowering the struggle of many indigenous peoples for human and land rights as well as taking part in environmental campaigns on a global level.

Over the years, in their often conflicting encounter with colonial and post-colonial economic and political interests, dominant cultures and established religions shamans were called to deal with structural, physical and cultural violence which undermined and continues to undermine the preservation and the very existence of sacred landscapes and, therefore, the wellbeing and survival of many cultures.

As proved by historical evidence and in particular by the survival of shamanic complexes even in regions where these were brutally repressed, shamans are masters in conflict transformation (and at times resolution) techniques and strategies.

The main goal of the ISARS conference is to discuss the responses of shamanistic complexes to exploitation, environmental, political, economic, social and religious threats in the past, as well as in present. This discussion also aims to reframe shamanism in a more ‘fair’ and realistic perspective, in comparison with the highly idealized icon widespread in many non-shamanic and mostly industrial cultures.

Please send you paper title and abstract (max. 250 words) and/or your session proposal (max. 300 words) on the main theme of the conference in a WORD document byOctober 31st 2014 to: conference2015@isars.org

Session organizer(s) are requested to indicate the general title of the session, a brief description of the main topic (max. 300 words), number, names and affiliation of participants. Sessions should include a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum of 6.

Please note that the Scientific Committee will review and select the papers and session proposals. The selected papers and sessions will be announced by January 15th, 2014.

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