The power of sound in the Shamanic rhythms among the runes of the Ecuadorian Amazon

Abstract

This article explores the role of sound in the shamanic rites of the Runa, an indigenous Quichua group from the Ecuadorian Amazon. Through a detailed analysis of a healing rite recorded in the Napo River region, it investigates how the Runa organize and conceptualize sound in their symbolic life. The study presents a review of the kinds of organized sound in Runa culture, constructing a model that relates these kinds to their functions in ritual and everyday contexts. It highlights that sound not only fulfills a musical function, but also plays a central role in the social and spiritual structure of the Runa. The analysis suggests that the categories of sound used by the Runa are contextual and emotive, varying according to social and individual factors, and offers a perspective on how these kinds of sound might be compared with other cultural practices.