ANTHROP 1AB3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Upper Paleolithic, Lascaux, Medicine Man
26 Feb 2017
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Document Summary
Theories re: origins of religion (mana and animism). In some places mana was attached to political offices. In some populations, the mana of a given official was so powerful that their bodies were. Taboo (set apart as sacred and off-limits to ordinary people) Believe that people are born with more mana than others (spiritual world) Believe mana is something people are born with. Chiefs have so much mana that their bodies are electric; their bodies are sacred because they have so much mana. Mana becomes a way of justifying political equality. Magic supernatural techniques intended to accomplish specific aims. Techniques can be actions or words used within the context of personal rituals. Can include repetitive chanting, songs, development of particular potions. Can be used in rituals for good or bad purposes. Magic can fit into a religious system, utilize personal agency and power; ex: prayer: difference in size of groups.
