A fascinating portrait of a culture caught between contemporary Catholicism and ancient, indigenous traditions, the PBS-aired Shaman of the Andes--set in the beautiful, almost mystical mountains of northern Ecuador, and narrated by actor Peter Coyote--focuses on the work of shamans among the Quechua Indians. Although many people in the community have embraced the Catholic church, they still rely--albeit with a hint of skepticism--on shamanic rituals involving totems, smoke, herbs, and other Earth-derived sources of healing. Filmmaker Steve Ford reveals many of the practices and tools of the Quechua shamans, who engage in years of study before attempting to ward off bad luck, cure ills, and clear the way for the emotional and spiritual passage of youth into adulthood. A colorful, engaging tale about the restless coexistence between old customs and modernity, this exemplary, non-condescending documentary is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)
Shaman of the Andes
(2003) 57 min. VHS: $19.95, DVD: $24.95. Big Mountain Films. PPR. Color cover. Volume 20, Issue 2
Shaman of the Andes
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