Editing Shuar (section)

== Illness and shamanism ==

Shuar generally do not believe in natural death, although they recognize that certain epidemics such as measles and scarlet fever are diseases introduced through contact with Europeans or Euro-Americans. They fought primarily with spears and [[blowgun]]s, but—like many other groups in the region—also believed that they could be killed by ''[[tsentsak]]'', invisible darts.

Any unexplained death was attributed to such ''tsentsak''. Although tsentsak are animate, they do not act on their own. [[Shaman]]s (in Shuar, ''uwishin'') are people who possess and control ''tsentsak''. To possess ''tsentsak'' they must purchase them from other shamans; Shuar believe that the most powerful shamans are [[Quechua language|Quichua]]-speakers, who live to the north and east.

To control ''tsentsak'', Shuar must ingest ''natem'' (''[[Ayahuasca]]''). Many Shuar believe that illness is caused when someone hires a shaman to shoot ''tsentsak'' into the body of an enemy. This attack occurs in secret and few if any shamans admit to doing this. If someone takes ill they may go to a shaman for diagnosis and treatment.

They have many plants that they use for common everyday illnesses. Most people know these plants and how to prepare and use them. Occasionally, an older woman will be asked for advice or help especially with fertility control, childbirth and new infants. ''Piripiri'' (Cyperus species) are used for a variety of ailments.