SHAMANIC CULTS : A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TWO SPIRIT-MEDIUM CULTS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The focus of this exercise ii to examine the instuition of spirit-mediumship within an urbanized social context. What roles do spirit-medium cults perform to ensure their continuous survival and why do worshippers still adhere to them? Such intriguing questions are especially relevant when considering the presence of other more 'modern' institutions in these societes which seemingly, perform similar functions. In addition, the effects of the external social environment on spirit-medium cults constitutes yet another interesting area of study, as it is seen to foster the idiosyncracy of some local spirit-medium cults, as manifested in religious syncretism. These varied patterns of syncretism can be seen to grow out of the dynamic interaction of different religions within the Singapore context. An examination of the religious worldviews of spirit-mediums and their clients is also crucial for it allows fruitful glimpses into the internal mechanisms behind spirit-medium phenomena. Chapter one introduces the theoretical framework, methodology, and limitations of study. Chapter two provides the relevant information on the two spirit-medium cults selected in the sample group. Chapter three presents the case studies of spirit-medium clients collected during fieldwork. Chapter four documents; the syncretic religious practices observed at both spirit-medium temples, including ethnographic accounts of two major temple festivities. Lastly, in chapter five, fieldwork data and their social implications are discussed and analysed.