Shamans, Housewives, and Other Restless Spirits

Studies of the Weatherhead East Asian Institute, Columbia University

by Laurel Kendall

"This exceptionally well-written book is good reading, not only for specialists but also for beginning students interested in women, Korean culture, and shamanism." --Journal of Asian Studies

"Kendall maintains a closeness with and respect for her subject that keeps away the chill of academic distance and yet avoids sentimentality." --Korean Quarterly, Spring 2001

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Anthropology, Folklore, Gender, Asia, Spirituality

248 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1985

Reviews

[Laura]

A bit dry since it's an academic text, but this was a really fascinating window into traditional Korean shamanism.

[John Armstrong]

A piece of anthropological field-work, very detailed and informative. Focuses on a small number of woman shamans, gives a good idea of what they do and why. Describes a typical kut (shamanistic ritual for placating departed family members and other ghosts) from beginning to end including all the participants, mansins (shamans), family and neighbors, even ghosts (as channeled by the shamans).

[Aurélien]

A lot of in depth research done for this book by a dedicated scholar. I thought it would provide a broader view of shamanism but it stays focused on a set of families.