Plants, dreams and metaphors: reflections on Amerindian means of influence

Abstract

This paper is devoted to the means at amerindians’ disposal to augment personal efficacy, that is, props used to increase influence on others. My argument, in a nutshell, is that dreams, magic plants (and other substances classed together with them), and metaphorical discourse are such means of aiding one’s influence on others - or avoiding being the target of others’ influence. The second point is that such props, aids, or intensifying devices must involve the interaction of what are normally translated as ”souls“, ”vital images“, or “doubles“ - the immaterial aspects of the person - if they are to be effective.