This text treats religion as a human art, capable of great intellectual and artistic achievements, but also of complex manipulation to serve human interests. Religion may also be used as a symbol or cloak for violence, with political of economic aims. The study is comparative, drawing material from a range of religions and giving the results of much anthropological research. The book explores notions of the divine, both as a single person and in a multiplicity of gods. It considers ideas and practices of communication with the supernatural, as in spirit possession, the roles of religious...
This text treats religion as a human art, capable of great intellectual and artistic achievements, but also of complex manipulation to serve human int...
The main focus of the volume - the processes of choice and decision-making in different economic systems - offers exceptional scope for the convergence of economic and anthropological perspectives.
The main focus of the volume - the processes of choice and decision-making in different economic systems - offers exceptional scope for the convergenc...
Re-visiting Tikopia a decade after his first visit, Raymond Firth here examines what impact the forces of modernization had on Tikopia society with regard to economics, law, politics and social affairs. Suffering a famine whilst there, the author also examined the issues of responsibility for the famine; problems of distribution in ceremonial and ritual; institutional developments from the famine.
Re-visiting Tikopia a decade after his first visit, Raymond Firth here examines what impact the forces of modernization had on Tikopia society with re...
The volume presents the diary of one of the great anthropologists at a crucial time in his career. Malinowski's major works grew out of his findings on field trips to New Guinea and North Melanesia from 1914-1918.
The volume presents the diary of one of the great anthropologists at a crucial time in his career. Malinowski's major works grew out of his findings o...
This book first published in 1971 offers a broad survey of the study of symbolic ideas and behaviour. The study of symbolism is popular nowadays and anthropologists have made substantial contributions to it. Raymond Firth has long been internationally known for his field research in the Solomons and Malaysia, and for his theoretical work on kinship, economics and religion. Here from a new angle, he has produced a broad survey of the study of symbolic ideas and behaviour. Professor Firth examines definitions of symbol. He traces the history of scientific inquiry into the symbolism of religious...
This book first published in 1971 offers a broad survey of the study of symbolic ideas and behaviour. The study of symbolism is popular nowadays and a...
The social, political and economic impact of the decline of the old colonial powers in Africa, India and the Middle East are still key areas of scholarly research and debate. Based on careful social observation and empirical research, the titles in The Sociology of Development set of the International Library of Sociology explore the tension between agriculture and industry in developing economies, and trace the complex political process of independence. Aimed at administratores and academics, thse studies are central to Development Studies.
The social, political and economic impact of the decline of the old colonial powers in Africa, India and the Middle East are still key areas of schola...
Originally published in 1970, this book represents a unique study of beliefs and ritual practices in a pagan religion, and of the processes by which a transformation to Christianity took place.
Christianity came to the major islands of Polynesia nearly two centuries ago, and within a couple of generations, the traditional pagan religion had disappeared. Only a few remote islands such as Tikopia preserved their ancient cults.
Over eighty years ago, the author first observed and took part in these pagan rites, and on later visits he studied the change from...
Originally published in 1970, this book represents a unique study of beliefs and ritual practices in a pagan religion, and of the processes by whic...
First published in 1967, this book gives some of the fruits of the author's study of Tikopia ways of thought as the result of three field expeditions. Most Polynesians became Christians more than a century ago but Tikopia had a substantial pagan population until quite recent years. This book of essays describes rites and beliefs of a people who still maintained their traditional institutions remote from civilization. Studies of totemism, of magic and of beliefs in the fate of the soul in the afterworld, not only throw new light on Polynesian attitudes but also contribute...
First published in 1967, this book gives some of the fruits of the author's study of Tikopia ways of thought as the result of three field expeditio...
