Some social and psychological properties of zinacanteco shamans

Abstract

A group of Zinacanteco shamans was compared to a group of non-shaman co-members on various social parameters and by means of a projective test. The two groups were alike in most respects. Shamans tended to receive lower scores on measures reflecting participation in Ladino culture and higher scores on several psychological dimensions. The findings can be evaluated clinically or from a standpoint that accounts for the learning experiences that associate with the shamanistic role. The pertinent literature is reviewed and the findings of this study are discussed.