Robin M Wright

Welcome

Robin M. Wright is Associate Professor specializing in South American indigenous religions, Anthropology of Religion, and Indigenous Religions in general. For 20 years, Dr. Wright was Professor of Anthropology at the State University of Campinas in Brazil where he was also Director of the Center for the Study of Indigenous Ethnology. His principal research since the 1970s has been in the Brazilian Northwest Amazon, although he has done work in Guatemala and the Northeastern US (Six Nations). He has published widely in the area of indigenous religions, indigenous histories and indigenist policies. Among his most important works are a three-volume study of indigenous peoples and Christianity in Brazil; two ethnographies of the histories and religions of the indigenous peoples of the Northwest Amazon; a collection of mythic narratives of the Baniwa Indians; and a co-edited volume on assault sorcery in Amazonia. He has published over fifty articles and chapters in books and, since 1980, has collaborated with non-governmental organizations in Brazil and the US working on behalf of indigenous rights.

New book in the process

Mysteries of the Jaguar Shamans of the northwest amazon

Inauguration Video

Watch as Doctor Robin Wright, Marcio Meira (FUNAI's president in Brazil), Bene(Regional Funai's Director), and Michael Wright (Robin's Son) participate at the inauguration of the new shamanic house "Malikai dapana" (House of knowledge).

Watch it here

Manuel da Silva, Hohodene Shaman, wins FSS (Foundation for Shamanic Studies) "Living Treasure" Award

"The Foundation is pleased to support a new project involving one of the last jaguar-shamans, "Mandu" Manuel da Silva, of the Baniwa people of the Aiary River, Northwest Amazon, Brazil. Mandu's correct title is "snuff-jaguar" (dzato dzauika). There are several types of shamans among the Baniwa; the most important and powerful is the "snuff-jaguar," of which Mandu is the last.

Dr. Robin M. Wright, a professor of Religion and Anthropology, recently appointed as a Foundation Field Associate for the Northwest Amazon, brought this important effort to our attention. The Foundation is supporting the project, which includes the filming and creation of a documentary record of the last jaguar-shaman's practice and knowledge; organizing meetings to discuss aspects of indigenous culture and shamanic traditions; and the construction of a shaman's center, which will serve as a catalyst for activities to strengthen and revitalize indigenous culture of the Baniwa of the Aiary River. Follow the FSS E-news and shamanism.org News blog for updates."