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This article discusses and interprets the concept of guaico -a notion proper to the Andean region of the Colombian department of Nariño. The question about what is contained in guaicos - not only as references to geographical spaces in the lowlands with hot and humid weather - depends on a set of factors that traverse the waters flowing towards the Colombian frontier from the Carchi province, in Ecuador, and proceed to the fast-flowing canyon at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Las Lajas, to finally disembogue in the Pacific Ocean through the Patía river. All throughout its course, the guaico consubstantially flows with the Guáitara river. The factors that influence our interpretation of what guaico encompasses, are: 1) an iconographic reading of the religious narrative submerged in the most popular and visited spot at the Guáitara river ⎯the Sanctuary of Las Lajas⎯; 2) the depiction of the Andean spiritual world below, the Quechuan Ujku Pacha; and, finally, 3) the substance of the ánimo, a concept that entails different sorts of mental and bodily moods and inhabits the guaico and the condition of someone or something being guaicoso. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to show the connection between the symbolism of the journey and liminal experiences of human existence. We open up the concept of liminilaty from cultural anthropology for philosophical questions about human existence and the possibilities of freedom that are created in unstructured threshold situations of human life. The symbol of the journey is not only a manifestation of freedom. It's also the potentiality of transformation to open a person to the surrounding world and to all living beings. It's a field where an understanding dialogue and ethical foundations of sustainable life can be formed. To be on the road means to be open to hope. But it also means accepting the risk and dangers arising from liminality of the transitional expierencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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"Wuthering Heights" has intrigued the critics since its inception, even in the third decade of the 21st Century the novel still holds importance. Apart from its socio economic and psychological aspects, which have mostly been discussed upon, the novel is relevant in the context of life itself as can be perceived in the present situation. Although the plot seems to dwell on the personal problems involving two families and a stranger (Heathcliff), its reflective of the less spoken matters of life and society as well. The cruelty is indeed symbolic; the characters though bearing symbolic and allusive significance appear to be flesh and blood at least in the present context of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Comportamentalia is the property of Instituto de Psicologia y Educacion de la Universidad Veracruzana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article aims to present the potential of Clifford Geertz's anthropological theories for studies on the material culture of extinct sociocultural systems, more specifically, for the Urban Archeology. The concepts of culture presented by this anthropologist allow them to be adapted as important theoretical and methodological references. The bibliography dealing with urban issues from geographical, historical and architectural approaches is important, but it suffers from an interdisciplinary dialogue between the Social Sciences that aims to improve the theoretical bases in order to obtain a better understanding of the phenomena that are being studied. Thus, the text presents this reflection, demonstrating how Geertz's thought can contribute to symbolic readings in the field of Urban Archeology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on media and in scholarly discourse focus on popular genres. Topics include self-published, distributed digitally" and "strongly associated with particular genres of fiction," such as romance, erotica, science fiction, and horror; and popular genres and holds symbolic forms of recognition to be more important than commercial success.

The Dragon Boat Festival in Maonan people is a national festival with the characteristics of Maonan. This paper carried out an in-depth interpretation of its ritual process from the perspective of the symbolic anthropology, based on a detailed introduction of its ritual process. Through an in-depth explanation of its ritual space, symbolic symbols and the mode of commu⁃ nication between man and God, it is considered that these elements together constitute the symbolic system of the dragon-part⁃ ing ceremony and reflect the common sense and collective consciousness of Maonan people. This paper is of great significance for us to gain a deeper understanding of original Maonan peopl culture and to foster a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fumane Cave, northern Italy, with its early Upper Palaeolithic deposit, dating between 41.2-35 ky cal BP, is one of the most significant sites for the understanding of the first Anatomically Modern Human groups in Europe. The archaeological excavations led to discover a consistent archaeological record which includes numerous items connected to the symbolic production too: shells, engraved bones and six ochred stones which are considered among the most ancient evidence of painting activity in Europe. Aside the six painted stones, a high number of ochred rock flakes collected during the excavations have been recently re-examined with the aim to trace further lines of research, i.e. what their origin is, so if they are fragments of parietal art or not and how these stones or part of them fit in the wider context of the most ancient forms of art in Europe. Specifically, within this paper, authors present four newly recognised painted stones which were analysed according to their graphic themes and techniques, their chronology and spatial distribution. This leads to deepen the issues of symbolic production in the Fumane Cave, the use of the site, identifying any productive area. Moreover, the newly presented findings, together with the already known ones are contextualized into the contemporaneous Italian and European context providing data towards the understanding of any morphological and stylistic variability and semiotic transformations to interpret any cultural dynamic process occurred in the Alpine area and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses about Nikos Kazantzakis's book "Zorba the Greek," butterflies symbolize various themes. It states that they represent the futility of human aspiration, spiritual rebirth, lost youth, human mortality, artistic creativity, and more. It discusses the butterflies' significance changes depending on the context. The article explores the themes through different characters and moments, emphasizing the complexity and depth of their symbolic meanings.

The exploration of diverse theoretical frameworks within anthropology presents a comprehensive analysis of influential perspectives that illuminate the complexities of human societies, cultural dynamics, and behaviors. Examining foundational theories such as Cultural Materialism, Structural Functionalism, Symbolic Anthropology, Cultural Ecology, Post-structuralism, Evolutionary Anthropology, Feminist Anthropology, and Actor-Network Theory (ANT), this research paper delves into the multifaceted lenses through which social life is understood. Each theoretical framework contributes distinct insights and challenges conventional paradigms. Cultural Materialism, rooted in the material conditions of societies, offers a lens to understand the influence of ecological and economic factors on cultural practices. Symbolic Anthropology, focusing on the interpretation of symbols, underscores the role of symbols in shaping human behavior. Structural Functionalism emphasizes societal functions and interrelated parts that sustain equilibrium. Cultural Ecology examines the relationship between culture and environment, illuminating how societies adapt to their surroundings. Post-structuralism questions fixed meanings and the influence of power structures on knowledge. Evolutionary Anthropology studies human biological adaptations and societal development, while Feminist Anthropology critically examines gender roles and power dynamics. ANT, a unique perspective, focuses on human and non-human actors within networks and their influence on social structures. The critical analysis and synthesis of these frameworks offer a nuanced understanding of societal complexities and behaviors. The implications of these frameworks extend beyond academia, influencing societal discourses, interdisciplinary studies, and policy-making. The inclusivity and diverse methodologies presented foster a more comprehensive understanding of societal dynamics, encouraging cultural sensitivity and informed interventions. This exploration also signifies the continual evolution of anthropological thought and contributes to a more inclusive and diverse academic environment. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of human societies, cultural practices, and societal structures, offering valuable insights for diverse fields and broader societal discourses.

The feminine imaginary has persisted throughout history as the result of a psychophysics relationship between women and landscape, specifically in different salt marshes: La Malahá (Granada), Janubio (Lanzarote) and Batz-sur-Mer (Loire-Atlantique). In this way, an “anthropological trajectory” (Gilbert Durand) has been consolidated, as the conjuncture between natural and sociocultural environments, geopoetics and symbolic representations. This paper proposes to explore the permanence of myths and a matriarchal and naturalist axiology related to the female body and a symbolic heritage nowadays forgotten, in order to determine four groups of archetypal images that claim the feminine identity in the alchemic salt landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work we will analyze the concept of "communication networks", as proposed by the historian Robert Darnton in his research on the processes of formation of public opinion at the origins of the French revolution. The central hypothesis is that this notion allows us to tackle in a novel way the tensions of Cultural History. We propose, in turn, that the use of this notion goes back to a tradition of French social theory that was forgotten for several decades by the dominant traditions in the social sciences: the theory of Gabriel Tarde. We consider relevant a reading of Darnton's works in articulation with the sociological tradition, since this will allow us to unveil 1) the notion of "the social" that underlies his research; 2) the reason for its methodology; and 3) understand the author's position in the controversies over the history of the book, especially the one he maintained with his colleague Roger Chartier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food can be taken as an important linkage to understand the various connections and meanings behind the complex and intricate rituals or be used as a commemorative symbol for some incident or story. In this research, an attempt has been made to study some of the symbolic meanings of food in Hinduism. Secondary research method was used, and various text and research papers were studied to find out the various symbolic references of food, and how they were interpreted and presented by other researchers. Finally, a conclusion was drawn upon how these various interpretations are closing in on the actual symbolism of food and how it is being represented as, in cultural context. Analysis on how myths and religious stories may lead to the introduction of certain food habits and cuisines that sticks around for the years to come, how the various foods and customs blend in together seamlessly to create the matrix of the relations and customs in the institution of religion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Tehranian women performed in their private gatherings without men's presence. It seems that these performances were the manifestations their temporary dreams since their life conditions were much influenced by the culture of the society in which their freedom and power were threatened, and consequently their dreams were limited. In such situations, women's activities were done in hidden, away from the society's control. This raises a question: What is the relationship of these ritualistic performances and the women's dreams on the one hand, and what is its relationship with their condition as a second sex? The research method is document analysis and field study. 27 Tehranian women between 60 to 70 years old were selected and their memories were recorded. There were some interviews regarding their narrations of these rituals; however, the main data consisted of the documents analyzed. The data analysis was through thematic analysis. Firstly, Turner's symbolic anthropology and Schechner's performance theory were employed for analyzing the ritualistic performances, and then Gluckman's theory of reversed customs was used to investigate the paradoxes within the elements of the performances. The findings shows women's dreams of having a safer environment and more power like men to establish security for themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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El artículo discute las sociedades prehispánicas que habitaban el territorio mexicano actual juzgar por los lugares donde se obtienen los moluscos y estas comunidades consideraron las conchas como valiosas, considerando los aspectos económicos.

Copyright of Archivio di Etnografia is the property of Pagina Societa Cooperativa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Inca expansion to the southern Andes catalyzed important political and symbolic changes in local communities. In addition to economic changes in mining production and the installation of logistical and administrative infrastructure, new forms of ideological violence emerged in the Copiapó Valley, Chile. One new form was the display and discarding of human heads, a burial pattern unprecedented in the region. In this article, we present evidence of perforated heads buried without grave goods next to a local cemetery in a Late Horizon village. We argue that the performative use of modified severed heads from young individuals at the Iglesia Colorada site was part of Inca ritual practices. Their use represented an effort to ideologically rule over newly incorporated subjects by demonstrating power and ensuring their compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, I will compare and contrast the Austronesian symbolic elements of the two social formations within which I have conducted extensive ethnographic and archival research, that of the highly egalitarian Buid of Mindoro, Philippines and that of the equally hierarchical Makassar of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. I will demonstrate both that their cosmological structures are built out of common symbolic elements and that these structures could be used to legitimate vastly different political systems. The common symbolic elements included a gendered cosmos inhabited by a series of parallel societies composed of animal, human and spirit subjects; the conceptualisation of human sociality as generated by shared experience within a nested series of bounded spaces; and the ability of certain agents to move between these spaces by way of specialised training, vehicles and portals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How does the Chinese state maintain its legitimacy and manage labor conflicts during its transition to market economy? Through detailed analysis of a 10-year struggle by a group of state workers to defend their pensions by active engagement with state agents, this article attempts to explore the circular feature of the state and how this circular state functions to absorb the labor contentions. This state is composed of three intersecting circles—a circle between different petition offices, a circle between petition offices and courts, and a circle between the local and the center. On the one hand, the circulation of the workers’ case in this circular bureaucratic field elongates the struggles of the workers and prevents the radicalization of their resistance; on the other hand, this circle promotes the circulation and inculcation of statist capitals among workers. This process realizes both the discursive construction of the new state and the symbolic domination of the resisting workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How the brain encodes abstract numerical symbols is a fundamental question in philosophy and cognitive neuroscience alike. Here we probe the nature of symbolic number representation in the brain by characterizing the neural similarity space for symbolic quantities in regions sensitive to their semantic content. In parietal and occipital regions, the similarity space of number symbols was positively predicted by the lexical frequency of numerals in parietal and occipital areas, and was unrelated to numerical ratio. These results are more consistent with a categorical, frequency-based account of symbolic quantity encoding. In contrast, the similarity space of analog quantities was positively predicted by ratio in prefrontal, parietal and occipital regions. We thus provide an explanation for why previous work has indicated that symbolic and analog quantities are distinct: number symbols operate primarily like discrete categories sensitive to input frequency, while analog quantities operate more like approximate perceptual magnitudes. In addition, we find substantial evidence for related patterns of activity across formats in prefrontal, parietal and occipital regions. Crucially however, between-format relations were not specific to individual quantities, indicating common processing as opposed to common representation. Moreover, evidence for between-format processing was strongest for quantities that could be represented as exact, discrete values in both systems (quantities in the 'subitizing' range: 1–4). In sum, converging evidence presented here indicates that symbolic quantities are coded in the brain as discrete categories sensitive to input frequency and largely independent of approximate, analog quantities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partant des liens qui unissent l'homo faber, l'imagination et le travail chez Gaston Bachelard, cette étude détermine en quel sens les approches bachelardiennes font de ce philosophe un témoin et un interprète des sociétés préindustrielles, mais aussi de manière générale du travail de la main. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Levantine Aurignacian is a unique phenomenon in the local Upper Paleolithic sequence, showing greater similarity to the West European classic Aurignacian than to the local Levantine archaeological entities preceding and following it. Herewith we highlight another unique characteristic of this entity, namely, the presence of symbolic objects in the form of notched bones (mostly gazelle scapulae) from the Aurignacian levels of Hayonim Cave, Lower Galilee, Israel. Through both macroscopic and microscopic analyses of the items, we suggest that they are not mere cut marks but rather are intentional (decorative?) human-made markings. The significance of this evidence for symbolic behavior is discussed in its chrono-cultural and geographical contexts. Notched bones are among the oldest symbolic expressions of anatomically modern humans. However, unlike other Paleolithic sites where such findings were reported in single numbers, the number of these items recovered at Hayonim Cave is sufficient to assume they possibly served as an emblem of the Levantine Aurignacian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This introductory article to the special issue Writing at Borders suggests that cul-tural studies and the humanist point of view have significant explanatory potential concerning various borders and border crossings in multidisciplinary border studies. Cultural and human understandings of borders and border crossings grow from the research of ethnographic particularities on one hand, and of universal and culturally expressed human experiences of borders and border crossings (however culturally expressed) on the other. In this article, this explanatory potential is made visible by examining the history of cultural anthropology, where borders and border crossings have been recognized in research since the late 19th century. The aim of this concise introductory article is to outline through selected examples how territorial, social, and cultural borders and border crossings have been acknowledged and understood conceptually in the history of Anglo-American and European anthropology. The selected examples illustrate the gradual evolution of the conceptualization of the border from a territorially placed boundary and filter, to a semantically constructed, ritualized and performed symbolic border, and finally to a discursive (textual) construction.