Shapeshifters, shamans and the 'New Animism'

The Löwenmensch figurine after restoration in 2013

The Löwenmensch figurine after restoration in 2013. Dagmar Hollmann (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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Shapeshifting images run deep in human history, going back to ancient cave paintings. Oxford University archeologist Chris Gosden thinks they're linked to the shaman's ability to cross into the spirit world where humans and animals merge. He says animist beliefs are gaining new traction among some scientists, and they raise profound questions about the nature of consciousness.