ANTH 4751 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Religious Art, Acrostic, Totem
Document Summary
Religious symbols [the anthropology of religion, magic, and. Complexity of human communication is made possible through the ability of humans to create and use symbols. Most symbols have no direct connection with the thing they refer to; arbitrary. Displacement: ability to use symbols to refer to things and activities that are remote from the user. Openness: the ability to create a new symbol, such as a name, if something new is discovered. Stand for things that are more complex than simple objects. Important elements in religious practice, and religious rituals center on symbols and the manipulation of symbols. Not all symbols are physical things or artistic representations. Swatika used by german nazi party; associated with good luck and prosperity in hinduism, Pentagram also called pentacle; originated as symbol of a pagan goddess; associated with. Hebrew scriptures and early christians; adopted by wiccans. Christian symbols the cross: christianity and earlier pagan associations, roman catholic and.
