ANTHROP 1AB3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Christian Culture, Animism, Benge
1 Feb 2018
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Why do people believe: beliefs - what can we learn from studying religious beliefs, how are magic and religion related, origins of religion? (mana and animism) Archaeology and religion: what evidence exists for early origins of religion/spiritual beliefs, material culture. Manipulating the supernatural: witchcraft: stereotypical view of witches. Female, elderly, ugly, warts, dressed in black, pointy hats. Brewing up substances, casting spells: definition of witchcraft: Manipulation of powerful substances or words (via magic) Characteristics of a witch: seen as inherently evil. Can cause disease, droughts, fires, etc: certain physical traits. Body markings: reversals of behaviour, usually inherited condition, important in times of crisis, women more frequently accused. Witchcraft in the 16th/17th century: christian culture was dominant factor, stressed patriarchy, women who challenged patriarchal institutions in any way were accused of being witches. Midwives, only men were doctors, they said these women are uneducated, cannot be involved with this practice.
