ALLELUIA SHAMANISM

An evolution ofAmazonianshamanism (particularly in the eastern highlands) influenced byChristianmissionary discourse (e.g., prophetic promises of a new life, a path to creative powers or “God,” and access to newhealingcures and powerful chants) that began in the late 19th century in the Guyana highlands. Its name derives from the use of various Christian words and phrases inritualchants, songs, and dances.Neil Whiteheaddiscusses the rise of this apocalyptic practice in relation to indigenous attempts to deal with the impact of newillnesseslike smallpox following colonization and the influx of new cultural,political, and social situations and technologies. In particular, he notes thatalleluia’san(practitioners whoperformthis style of shamanism, especially by singing andchanting) oppose “dark shamans” orkanaimà’sanand in the process almost marginalizepiyashamans (even though their chief healing role would seem to be required).