The Shamans of prehistory
Subtitle: trance and magic in the painted caves
By: Jean Clottes and David Lewis-Williams ; translated from the French by Sophie Hawkes.
Contributors: Lewis-Williams, J. David.
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Published: 1998
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 120
Subjects: Cave paintings -- Europe; Petroglyphs -- Europe; Art, Prehistoric -- Europe; Art, Shamanistic -- Europe; Shamanism in art
Description: The universality of shamanistic power and practice among today's hunter-gatherers - along with the similarity of rock art found in varied sites around the world - has led Jean Clottes and David Lewis-Williams to suggest in this new book that the great art of paleolithic caves can be best understood through the lens of shamanism. Indeed, this is not a monograph on a particular site, but a general discussion of the art of painted caves and their shamanistic meaning.

Through the authors' revealing words and the abundant full-color illustrations, we follow shamans into their trance states, and we watch as they carefully paint and engrave on rock surfaces the shapes of animals whose power they seek. As we learn how drawings and rituals were likely modes of shamanistic contact, we understand best the actions, accomplishments, and traces left behind by prehistoric shamans.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.