Bali has long been known for its deep spirituality and extraordinary artistic heritage.The dances, dramas, puppetry and music of Bali are more than icons for the island; they are part and parcel of life—as expressions of devotion to the gods, as entertainment, and as a way of instilling cultural values on each generation. Balinese Dance, Drama & Music is a lavishly illustrated introduction to Bali's celebrated temple orchestra, the gamelan, to its ancient ...

"Within every woman there is a wild and natural creature, a powerful force, filled with good instincts, passionate creativity, and ageless knowing. Her name is Wild Woman, but she is an endangered species. Though the gifts of wildish nature come to us at birth, society's attempt to 'civilize' us into rigid roles has plundered this treasure, and muffled deep, life-giving messages of our own souls. Without Wild Woman, we become overdomesticated, fearful, uncreative, trapped."In her n...

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Is the classic, accepted view of the life of Christ in some way incomplete? The authors of The Messianic Legacy present a provocative and meticulously researched look at Christ and the history of Christianity.“Enough to seriously challenge many traditional beliefs, if not alter them.”—Los Angeles Times Book ReviewExplosive, thought-provoking, fiercely compelling, Holy Blood, Holy Gr...

In 'Myths of the Norsemen (Illustrated Edition),' Hélène Adeline Guerber expertly navigates the rich tapestry of Norse mythology, unraveling the intricate narratives surrounding deities, heroes, and cosmic events. Written with an engaging style that balances scholarly rigor with accessible prose, this illustrated edition enhances the reader's experience through vivid imagery that brings these ancient tales to life. Guerber's work is situated within the greater context of European folklor...

Shamanism in Siberiafrom Aboriginal Siberia, by M. A. CzaplickaA comprehensive review of the ethographic literature concerning Shamanism in Sibera."Siberia is regarded as the locus classicus of shamanism. It is inhabited by many different ethnic groups. Many of its Uralic, Altaic, and Paleosiberian peoples observe shamanistic practices even in modern times. Many classical ethnographic sources of 'shamanism' were recorded among Siberian peoples."

The handprint of British heritage is everywhere. British Roots takes a deeper look to tease out a warm world of fantasy, fables and fairies, entwined with the mystery and wonder of creation. It explores British culture and takes you on a journey through a rich tapestry of threads encompassing history, language, art, sport, architecture, humour, music, literature, education, religion, war, science, food and also those cherished eccentricities, customs, traditions, superstitions, supernatura...

This collection investigates the origins of our most intriguing old-fashioned superstitions, many of which we still find ourselves abiding by today.Hundreds of the beliefs passed down through the generations have their foundations in our ancestors' efforts to ward off evil, which they blamed for hardship, illness and injustice in times when life was, as often as not, 'nasty, brutish and short'. Black Cats and Evil Eyes sets these superstitions in their historical and socia...

This edition features• illustrations• a linked Table of ContentsCONTENTSThe Creation OsageHow the World was Made CherokeeThe Flood and the Rainbow Lenni-Lenapi (Delaware)The First Fire CherokeeThe Ancestors of People OsageOrigin of Strawberries CherokeeSacred Legend OmahaThe Legend of the Peace Pipes OmahaA Tradition of the Calumet Lenni-Lenapi (Delaware)The Sacred Pole OmahaIkto and the Thun...

Cambodia's mystic class of sorcerers, mediums, fortunetellers, and monks channel spirits, read fortunes in numbers and cards, and inscribe enchantments in flesh. But technology and modernity are changing these roles and rituals. Vanishing Act tracks down these singular people to document their lives, painting vivid portraits of men and women who live with one foot in the mundane and another in the magical.From Song Sokheng, who channels two childlike spirits, to a sorcerer who reli...

Words cannot explain to an outsider the sight and feel of the Japanese stage. And definitions and descriptions do not convey an exact image to people brought up on a concept of the theatre that differs so greatly from the Japanese as ours. In seeing something foreign, too, our eyes must be guided carefully, so that we know what we are seeing and how to look at it profitably.All of us are to be grateful for this book, because now, without leaving our countries, or for that matter ou...

WINNER OF THE 2017 SMITHSONIAN SECRETARY’S RESEARCH PRIZESince its origins in 1967, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival has gained worldwide recognition as a model for the research and public presentation of living cultural heritage and the advocacy of cultural democracy. Festival curators play a major role in interpreting the Festival's principles and shaping its practices.Curatorial Conversations brings together for the first time in one volume the...

Discover the significance of the scarab in Ancient Egyptian culture and its enduring legacy.Scarabs, popular as amulets and impression seals in Ancient Egypt, hold immense archaeological and historical value due to the inscriptions often found on them. These inscriptions offer a window into the lives, beliefs, and practices of this ancient civilisation. This classic volume presents a fascinating exploration of the role and importance of the scarab in Ancient Egypt,...