SURUWAHA SHAMANISM AND TRANSFORMATIONS

Abstract

In Suruwaha cosmology, a framework with a sociality in constant transformation prevails. More than differences regarding humanity, identities or substances, there are alterations founded in the variation of cosmic positions between the subjects interacting. Shamans' ";vision"; transforms a world in constant imbalance. The movement between incompatible cosmic positions is possible for shamans, who surround between them because of their metamorphic abilities. Iniwa, the Suruwaha expression for what we broadly call shamanism, emerges as a relational connection capacity with other subjects of the universe. In this article, shamanic knowledge in Suruwaha scenario is projected primarily through the following features: as a skill to communicate with the spirits; as a transformational capacity (jahuruwa); and as dangerous power for witchcraft, capable of causing death (mazaru). Keywords: Suruwaha, shamanism, Purus river, indigenous transformations