ANTH 1150 Lecture : Lecture Number 5
6 Feb 2012
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Document Summary
He is known for his fieldwork among trobrianders. Functionalists are interested in the functions of a particular cultural practice. Malinowski maintained that culture meets the basic human needs. protection and defense: religion means feeling secure. What are the functions of magic among trobrianders? (b. malinowski) Magic was a very famous part of his life. Magic for fishing in the open sea: different rituals practiced to keep them safe and get a big catch! No magic for fishing in the inner lagoon. Open sea a lot more dangerous because of the unpredictable conditions of the ocean. Inner lagoon fishing not dangerous conditions very predictable and could expect what they were going to catch. Magic used when situations are unpredictable and more danger associated with situation. Also used to relieve anxiety and use when people did not feel like they had complete control over the situation. Focused on the emotional/psychological functions of magic.
