Magicians, Magic, and Shamanism in Ancient China

Bibliographic Data

ID6015069
AuthorsEnzheng Tong (corresponding author), Tong Enzheng
Year2002
Volume4
Issue1
Pages27-73
Publication date2002-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of East Asian Archaeology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1387-6813 • E-ISSN: 1568-5233
PublisherBrill (PUBLISHER • NL)
DOI10.1163/156852302322454495
OpenAlexW2068931928
LanguageEN
Citations received10

This paper examines shamanism and related religious phenomena in ancient China by exploring myths, legends, and histories described in transmitted texts; relevant archaeological data; and modern ethnographic records. Definitions and terminological issues are addressed, and a three-stage evolutionary sequence is suggested for the development of religion in China (primitive religion, polytheistic religion, and monotheistic religion). The terminological distinctions for religious practitioners are also presented, including magicians, sorcerers, and priests. Archaeological evidence for religious activities before the emergence of complex societies helps to fill in some of the gaps found in the textual records that relate legends ascribed to these early periods. The varying roles of magicians/shamans in the formation of complex societies in North China are examined. Finally, the rich evidence for shamanism in South China is surveyed

Ancient history · Archaeology · Art · China · Ethnography · Literature · MAGIC (telescope · Mythology · Shamanism · Sociology · Anthropology · Chinese history and philosophy · Classics · Folklore, Mythology, and Literature Studies · History · Japanese History and Culture

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