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...

THE MYTHS OF THE NORSEMEN is an interesting look at the mythology of the ancient Norse (Vikings). Prior to the conversion of Scandinavia to Christianity c. 1000, the Norse practiced a polytheistic religion rich in tradition with many competing gods, spirits, and devils. In addition the pantheon of gods like Thor, Odin, and Freya, Norse myth includes fascinating beliefs in elves, dwarves, dragons, giants, trolls, and other magical creatures.

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...

The ghost-dance among the Sioux was based on the belief that the dead Indians would all come to life and drive out the white intruders. Then the buffaloes, which were disappearing, would come back in the immense herds of the olden time.The vision of one of the dreamer priests is represented. After reaching the spirit world, Bianki found himself on a vast prairie covered with innumerable buffaloes and ponies. He went through the herds (dotted lines) until he came to a large Kiowa ca...

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,...