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Ritual as metaphor.
- Source :
-
Anthropological Theory . Mar2023, Vol. 23 Issue 1, p3-32. 30p. - Publication Year :
- 2023
-
Abstract
- The effectiveness of ritual is a major anthropological question. In this paper, I challenge some of the explanations anthropologists have provided to such a question and I attempt to formulate an original theorization of ritual as metaphor. The proposed hypothesis is grounded in two inspiring concepts: Ernesto De Martino's idea of "dehistorification" as the main technique of the ritual and Bruce Kapferer's "virtuality" as its proper dynamic dimension. Drawing on these theoretical foundations and a direct ethnographic experience and conceiving of ritual as a practice rather than as a symbol, I propose to regard it as a particular practice of metaphorization that is not representative of reality but effective on it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- *RITUAL
*ANTHROPOLOGISTS
*ETHNOLOGY
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 14634996
- Volume :
- 23
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Anthropological Theory
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 162243485
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1177/14634996221130834