SHAMANEN, JOMFRUEN OG SKATTEVÆSENET: Portræt af en mirakelmager fra det sydlige Chile

Abstract

This article presents the case of the shaman José Karipan, who is considered one

of the most powerful and popular shamans in southern Chile. The article explores

the success of his practice as a healer, by analyzing the relationship between healing,

identity and the socio-economic and political context of Southern Chile. It is

argued that shamanistic medical practice is so popular among patients in Southern

Chile due to its sensitivity to their historical past and socio-political reality. The

shaman’s practice and figure build upon symbols and aspects of his social environment;

the shaman is Roman Catholic and claims to receive his healing power

from the Virgin of Carmen, the national saint of Chile. Furthermore, he is publicly

known for a conflict with the local taxation authorities, who accuse him of

failing to claim tax for his income as a healer. These factors serve to challenge

the logic of the Chilean state but also show how the shaman’s personal practices

are embedded inside the logic of the state, and draw upon national symbols as

a source of power.