Magical Death

Series: Yanomamo Series

Duration: 28 min.

Year Published: 1973

Creator: directed by Napoleon A. Chagnon.

Format: 16mm

Color: Color

Sound: sound

Credits: Chagnon, Napoleon A., 1938-; Asch, Timothy.; Johnson, Craig.; Pennsylvania State University.; University of California (System). Extension Media Center.

Description: Fascinating ethnographic study of the role of the shamans among the Yanomamo Indians in Southern Venezuela. Shows the prinicipal shaman as he manipulates good and evil spirits while in an ecstatic trance state induced by sniffing hallucinogenic snuff. English Narration (Yanomomo series), Depicts the dual role of Dedeheiwa, a Yanomamo shaman, as communicant with the spirits for purposes of healing and destruction and as an important political leader. Shows Dedeheiwa directing and participating in magical ceremonies involving the ingestion of hallucinogenic drugs to enter into an alliance with the hekura spirits. Focuses on activities that took place over a two-day period in which Dedeheiwa organized a number of co-villages in a magical attack on the souls of children of another village. Includes English narration.

Complete Record: , Depicts the dual role of Dedeheiwa, a Yanomamo shaman, as communicant with the spirits for purposes of healing and destruction and as an important political leader. Shows Dedeheiwa directing and participating in magical ceremonies involving the ingestion of hallucinogenic drugs to enter into an alliance with the hekura spirits. Focuses on activities that took place over a two-day period in which Dedeheiwa organized a number of co-villages in a magical attack on the souls of children of another village. Includes English narration.NOTE: Two (or more) records have been merged together to create this data.

Metadata Source:BERKELEY ART MUSEUM AND PACIFIC FILM ARCHIVE