Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #915465 in Books
• Published on: 1998-09-01
• Original language: French
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 120 pages

Synopsis
This work reveals the authors' method of understanding the images painted or etched on rock walls by the people of prehistory. Noting the similarity between prehistoric rock art and that created by some contemporary traditional societies, archaeologists Jean Clottes and David Lewis-Williams suggest that the ancient images were created by shamans, powerful individuals who were able to contact the spirit world through trance and ritual. The authors reflect on neuropsychology and ethnography, following prehistoric shamans into their trance states, and shedding light on what these rock artists were thinking and how they may have worked.

Customer Reviews

A stimulatin insight into the origins of art and shamanismo.
Book review: The Shamans of prehistory by Jean Clottes and David Lewis-Williams

An incredibly interesting book to stimulate the enquiring mind. Have you ever wondered about the origins of art or religion? Or to what exactly Shamans experience when they go into a trance. This book seeks to enlighten us and transport us to another reality. The text is informative and is accompanied by lots of photos of beautiful prehistoric images, in natural ochre/iron oxide tones. A wonderful conversation starter. I was so impressed that as soon as I received it I sent off for another book by Jean Clottes.