Abstract

Discusses the preponderance of reputed psi events that occur in specific individuals in preliterate societies as recorded in the anthropological literature. The role of the shaman (who serves as healer, priest, diviner, and medium) and his/her capacity for inducing trances and possession trances is examined, and the trance dance dynamics of the Kung Bushmen are outlined in detail. The various methods of trance induction (e.g., self -injury and drug ingestion) are discussed. (46 ref)