Imagination, Language, Spirits and Agency: Ayahuasca and the Treatment of Addiction

Authors

  • Marcelo S. Mercante

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11606/2179-0892.ra.2017.137322

Keywords:

Ayahuasca, Addiction, Spontaneous Mental Images, Agency

Abstract

In this paper I analyze the role of the plants used in the treatment of chemical dependency in a treatment center, Takiwasi, located in the Peruvian Amazon. Ayahuasca is a central tool in the recovery process in Takiwasi. Ayahuasca is a psychoactive drink widely used by many indigenous populations across the Amazon and by three Christian-based Brazilian religions. Plants are believed to be endowed with agency in Takiwasi, and have, in addition to its active chemical principles, another type of action: the spiritual, seen as more effective than the chemical action. To elucidate such capability of agency and spiritual power, I use Benjamin’s ideas of “language” and “spirit”, and also Viveiros de Castro’s “image” and “imagination”.

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Published

2017-09-27

Issue

Vol. 60 No. 2 (2017)

Section

Articles

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How to Cite

Mercante, M. S. (2017). Imagination, Language, Spirits and Agency: Ayahuasca and the Treatment of Addiction. Revista De Antropologia, 60(2), 562-587. https://doi.org/10.11606/2179-0892.ra.2017.137322