Huaorani of the Western Snippet - by Aleksandra Wierucka (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Huaorani of the Western Snippet documents changes that the Huaorani culture of eastern Ecuador underwent over a period of fifty years. Part I focuses on the geographical, historical, sociological and economical background of the Ecuadorian Amazon as well as the problems that indigenous groups of this region face. Part II describes different aspects of Huaorani culture, and its consecutive subsections present research completed by anthropologists in different decades of twentieth century, and the data is reviewed and supplemented with data gathered during my research (2007-2013). Part III explores the life of a Huao man, Miane, who serves as a local shaman. His different social roles are discussed in consecutive subsections in order to understand what shaped him as a person of the Huaorani group. "--

Book Synopsis

Huaorani of the Western Snippet documents changes that the Huaorani culture of eastern Ecuador underwent over a period of fifty years. Part I focuses on the geographical, historical, sociological and economical background of the Ecuadorian Amazon as well as the problems that indigenous groups of this region face. Part II describes different aspects of Huaorani culture, and its consecutive subsections present research completed by anthropologists in different decades of twentieth century, and the data is reviewed and supplemented with data gathered during my research (2007-2013). Part III explores the life of a Huao man, Miñe, who serves as a local shaman. His different social roles are discussed in consecutive subsections in order to understand what shaped him as a person of the Huaorani group.

Review Quotes

"Wierucka contributes to a better understanding of the Huaorani. Wierucka highlights biographical accounts, showing how individuals and groups have responded in different ways to various impacts. Accounts of continuity and change benefit from the unique interdisciplinary approach to ethnology and cultural studies that has emerged in Poland. The study is well framed by a literature survey, and many readers will welcome the overviews of national and regional history." - Jim Weil, Science Museum of Minnesota

"The author was able to gain a deep rapport with the Huaorani people, especially with the Huaorani shaman. Deeper knowledge about the shaman's personality, his social status, as well as the group's attitude towards him are described in a detailed biography. Prior to this study, only incidental information about the lives of Amazonian shamans was available this book fills the gap in our knowledge." - Franciszek M. Rosi?ski, Professor Emeritus, University of Wroclaw, Polandand Professor Emeritus, Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski, Poland

About the Author

Aleksandra Wierucka is Assistant Professor at the Department of Cultural Studies at the University of Gda?sk, Poland.