( Background source: Wikipedia. )
Stone Fever portrays a shaman in the person of Yoka Sutu, a wizened Black crone. Aldo Correon, the gaucho foreman, or jeaf. acts as a curandero in several scenes. The author especially enjoyed developing these characters.
Like many of their counterparts in the real world, both Yoka and Aldo make their everyday living from other pursuits. Yoka is a weaver of colorful garments that she uses in barter with other women of her tribe, and at the annual all-tribes Rendezvous. The jeafAldo directs a large migrating cattle enterprise, the main sustenance for his tribe.
What is shamanism all about? These common elements are found in many cultures:
- A belief that the visible world is pervaded by invisible forces or spirits, which affect the lives of the living.
- The shaman can alter consciousness.
- The shaman controls knowledge about the practice.
By connecting to the otherworld, shamans have the power to:
- heal the sick
- communicate with spirits
- escort souls of the dead to the afterlife
- lead a sacrifice
- preserve traditions by storytelling and songs
- tell fortunes
Yoka’s influence is largely based on employing a ritual hallucinogen called Venga in individual or group seances. Vengapromotes contact with ancestors, to give sage advice and resolve dilemmas.
The curandero has some overlap with the shaman, in that s/he may provide remedies for mental, emotional, physical and spiritual illnesses. Curanderos go beyond Western medicine, often linking illness to evil spirits. Thus, a curandero may treat not only physical ailments but also psychological and interpersonal issues.
Curanderos are found most often in Latin American communities. They may employ herbs (as Aldo skillfully does), but may also use bone and muscle manipulation, massage and prayer. Like shamans, they may even cast spells.
Shamans usually enjoy great power and prestige in the community, but they may also be regarded suspiciously or fearfully as potentially harmful to others. Yoka’s vanity limits her effectiveness, particularly among the gauchos, who derisively ignore her prophecies.
Some shamans say their powers are inherited. In traditional societies shamanic training varies in length, but generally takes years. Yoka is in a bind here. Her daughter and heir-presumptive died from the Wasting Disease some years back. Now she has no one to carry on her calling. She tries to recruit Luz, who has not the patience to submit to Yoka’s training. Eventually a surprise candidate emerges.rry on her calling. She tries to recruit Luz, who has not the patience to submit to Yoka’s training. Eventually a surprise candidate emerges.