ANT360H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Ritualism In The Church Of England, Marvin Harris, Mary Douglas
Document Summary
Is one of the most important type of symbols. Gods or detites : from which help is sought or offerings are made. Totems: creatures in which kin is named ( relational) Were animals creatures that take either human or animal form (werewolves) Gaurdiuan animals- creatures in animal form that has supernatural form and helps humans. Trickster- extrondiary wise or stupid , combined with supernatural powers, hero or creature. Taboo- animals that shouldn"t be killed or eatten normally or in certain circumstances. Animals are good to eat or not to eat or to protect or to be protected from. Their role in religions are grounded in their importance as sources of food and other essential materials. Significance of animals in human religious belief and practice is matter of classification rather than ultitarian values. Human thought is organized by principles of classifcation( binary oppositions espcially. Analysis of the old testament as good explaination of this.
