Edited by archaeologist Neil Price, "The Archaeology of Shamanism" is an academic anthology originally published in 2001 by Routledge. This collection brings together fourteen scholarly papers from experts in archaeology and anthropology, focusing on the interpretation of shamanistic evidence within the archaeological record across the Northern Hemisphere.

The book delves into the complex and diverse phenomenon of shamanism, exploring how ancient cultures mediated between the human and spirit worlds through various practices. It features case studies spanning from the Upper Paleolithic to the present day, examining themes such as shamanic material culture (drums, rattles, figurines), responses to death and the afterlife, the significance of shamanic soundscapes (drumming, chanting), the role of ritual architecture, and how shamanism interacts with other belief systems. The anthology provides an international perspective on this multifaceted aspect of human spirituality, acknowledging the often ambiguous nature of archaeological evidence.

Why You Should Read?

• Offers a comprehensive and international resource for archaeologists and anthropologists studying shamanism.
• Explores diverse methodologies for interpreting ancient spiritual practices and belief systems.
• Provides critical insights into the material culture, rituals, and societal roles of shamans across vast temporal and geographical scales.
• Bridges academic research with broader understandings of shamanism as a profound human phenomenon.