Pearson brings a cogent well argued case for the understanding of much prehistoric art as shamanistic practice using the theoretical premises of cognitive archaeology and a careful examination of rock art worldwide pearson is able to dismiss other theories of why ancient peoples produced art totemism art for arts sake structuralism hunting magic. Pearson brings a cogent well argued case for the understanding of much prehistoric art as shamanistic practice using the theoretical premises of cognitive archaeology and a careful examination of rock art worldwide pearson is able to dismiss other theories of why ancient peoples produced art totemism art for arts sake structuralism hunting magic. Shamanism and the ancient mind a cognitive approach to archaeology archaeology of religion by james l pearson 2002 02 11 books amazonca. In darwins cathedral david sloan wilson examines religious beliefs as biological adaptations for group living he writes for an intellectually sophisticated general audience writing for specialists the literature review is a sure sign james l pearson sets out to find the nature of rock art in shamanism and the ancient mind. Shamanism and the ancient mind a cognitive approach to archaeology archaeology of religion book book details isbn 0759101558 title shamanism and the ancient mind a cognitive approach to archaeology archaeology of religion author pearson james l publisher altamira press publication date