Final answer:
The 'hekura' are spirits associated with the shamanic practices of the Yanomamo people, as documented in Chagnon's ethnography. Shamans work with these spirits for healing and divination. Shamanism is a complex set of beliefs and rituals involving communication with the supernatural world.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term hekura refers to spirits in the shamanic beliefs of certain indigenous cultures, particularly among the Yanomamo people. In Napoleon A. Chagnon's ethnography, which details his studies of the Yanomamo, the sakura are depicted as vital components of the shamanic practices used for healing and ritual purposes. Shamans, who are specialized practitioners within the society, often employ the assistance of the Okura spirits to engage in soul travel and communicate with the spiritual realm for healing, divination, or guidance in hunting.
Shamanism is a religious practice that often involves entering an altered state of consciousness to interact with a supernatural world. This may be accomplished through various means, such as drumbeat, dance, or the use of hallucinogenic substances. The shamanic practice is not only a means of healing but also encompasses a complex set of beliefs and rituals related to the supernatural world. As human societies evolved, some of these practices were integrated into larger, organized religions.