ANTH-2108 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: W. M. Keck Observatory, Starch, 18 Months
9 Dec 2013
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We see an apple, we know what it is by shape, colour and smell; so do many nonhumans. Arbitrary symbol as long as there is a shared understanding, we can use symbols to communicate instead of real objects; we can also create new symbols, like names. Symbols can also represent things that are more complex, such as emotions/philosophical concepts -> joseph church. Religious rituals centre on manipulation and presence of symbols. Hinduism: statue of god brahma, bathed with milk and strung with flowers. Hopi masks of american southwest or dogon masks of south. Torah -> symbol meant to be read (jewish ritual) Term comes from greek pente, meaning 5 and gamma. Can refer to any 5-sided figure but is most commonly used to refer to 5-point star (pentacle) Originated as symbol of a pagan goddess; her sacred fruit was apple (cut in half 5-point seeded star) Associated with hebrew scriptures as a symbol of the torah (5 books of pentateuch)
