Test 2 Flashcards
Kula
An extensive inter-island system of exchange in which high-ranking men gave ornamental shell armbands and necklaces to lifelong exchange partners or other islands
Potlach
gift going feast practiced by indigenous people of Canada and US; traditionally primary ecosystem
- ex. the more generous you are, the more social you are
- ex. moka rituals allow Big Men in Papua New Guinea to compete for status
- movement of resources
- prestige economy
Moka
a highly ritualized system of exchange in the Mount Hagenarea, Papua New Guinea that has become emblematic by anthropological concepts of “gift economy” and “Big Man” political system
-ex. moka that have the most pigs given back are the most social
Social distance
the distance between different groups in society and is opposed to actual distance; includes differences such as social class, race/ethnicity, gender, or sexuality.
-the people you less socially distance, the more generalized reciprocity
Redistribution
collection of goods in a community and then re-division of those goods in a community among members
Redistribution tribute
the rendering of goods, including food, to an authority, such as a chief, to be reallocated takes
Reciprocity
the give-and-take that builds and confirms relationships
- helping people out
- facilitates movement of goods
Balanced reciprocity
occurs when a person gives something, expecting the retriever to return to an equivalent gift or favor at some point in the future
- maintain level in relationship
- prevalent in US
Generalized reciprocity
refers to giving something without the exception of return, at least not in the near term
- willingness to give at ones expense
- signifies close social ties
Negative reciprocity
occurs when a person attempts to get something for nothing, to haggle ones way into a favorable personal outcome
- when people attempt to get better deal, creates debt for others
- intense bargaining
- rules regulated based upon closeness
- “us vs. navajo” cheating a close member is considered harmful
Coercion vs. Persuasion
both are often employed by people to ensure completion of tasks; that is to say that leaders can try to convince others using their charisma or social influence, or they may use force and authority to command actions through coercion
Centralized political systems
system where some individuals or institutions hold powers and control over resources; commonly found with chiefdoms and states
ex. extensive agriculture, intensive fishing
Non-centralized political systems
commonly found in bands and tribes
dispersed power and resources were split between members of the tribe
ex. foraging, horticulture and pastoralism
Achieved status
using personality skills and with the approval of many other members of society to gain status
Ascribed status
Status that one is born into and cannot easily change marriage or other increases in access to power, wealth and prestige
caste
social stratification where membership is hereditary, strata are endogamous, and contact/relationships between strata are prohibited or otherwise limited; social mobility between castes is not allowed
egalitarian
societies have no other power structures that those based on gender and age, opposite of hierarchial
When did agriculture begin?
9500 BC
Contagious magic
things or persons in contact can afterward influence each other
Imitative magic
based on the assumption that a desired result can be brought about or assured by mimicking it
mana
a raw supernatural power
witchcraft
- the use of psychic powers, or the result of bodily substances, which alter reality
- aimed to control non-humane behavior
the practice of magic, the use of innocation(?) and spirits
sorcery
the performance of rites with the intention of altering reality
based on two kinds of logical principles; imitative and contiguous principle
-mechanism to control competing lineages (sorcery was inherited)
the use of magic, especially black magic
monotheism
the belief in a single god
ex. christianity, judaism, islam
polytheism
a religion with many gods/deities
ex. hinduism, ancient greek, and roman pantheons og gods
animism
the belief that inanimate objects such as trees, rocks, cliffs, hills, and rocks were animated by spiritual forces or beings
bands
small nomadic and self-sufficient group of anywhere from 25-150 individuals with face-to-face social relationships, usually egalitarian
tribes
type of pastoralist or horticulturist society with no populations, usually numbering in hundred of thousands in which leadership is more stable than that of band, but usually egalitarian, with social relationships based on reciprocal exchange
chiefdoms
political system with a hereditary leader who holds central authority, typically supported by a class of high-ranking ___, informal laws, and a simple judicial system, often numbering in the tens of thousands of the beginnings of intensive agriculture and some specialization
states
the most complex form of political organization, associated with societies that have intensive agriculture, high levels or social stratification, and centralized authority
atheism
the rejection of belief in gods/deities
-ultimately leading to the rationality brought on by scientific breakthroughs
“We Belong to the Land”
What did the AWF do when they heard about the ownership dispute?
Gifted it to the Kenya Wildlife Service
“We Belong to the Land”
What has happened to the Samburu since 2009?
Violent evictions, torching of homes, assaults, and theft
“We Belong to the Land”
How were the police acting illegally?
No legal action was taken concerning elders murder
Violation of eviction injuction
“We Belong to the Land”
What is Kenya’s land tenure law? In other words, how long do the lands need to be occupied and under what conditions?
If one occupies land openly, peacefully, and continually for 12 years, they claim title to it
“We Belong to the Land”
What was Nakuro’s story? Why is it important?
She grew up there and resided her family there so according to tenture law, she lays claim to her land
We Belong to the Land”
What was problematic about the trial in Nyeri?
The people participating in thal were intersections themselves (ex. loss in translation, miscommunication, etc)
‘We Belong to the Land”
What may happen to the Samburu way of life since lands are now being purchased rapidly by private owners and annexed by the government?
The Sumbraro Way- Cyclinial movement cattle may no longer be viable because the traditional community relies on racism, it could be detrimental to food suppy
“We Belong to the Land”
What may happen to the Samburu way of life since lands are now being purchased rapidly by private owners and annexed by the government?
The Sumbraro Way- Cyclinial movement cattle may no longer be viable because the traditional community relies on racism, it could be detrimental to food supply`
“Fasting to Death”
What is Santhara/Seuekhana?
The practice of fasting until death
“Fasting to Death”
Who are most likely to practice?
Members of the Jainism (monks, people of imminent death)
“Fasting to Death”
Where is this practiced and by which religion?
India: Jains
“Fasting to Death”
Do other religions participate in fasting rites? How many may be similiar versus different? How so?
Yes
Catholics/Christians: lent
Muslims: Ramadan
Jews: Yom Kippur
“Fasting to Death”
Some states in U.S. as well as other nations allow for compassionate death- aka death dignity for the terminally ill; compare this to the Santhara. What are your feelings and why?
Santhara is a way to purify the soul to prepare for the next life. Death w dignity is a way to leave on ones own terms ans well. Both are dignified ways of death
“Fasting to Death”
The central tenet of Jainism is nonviolence. How does Santhra/Seukhana fit into this world view? In other words, how does their worldview support this right?
The slaughter of animals is forebidden, so when entering the inner sanctrum, one must remove anything made of leather
“Fasting to Death”
How do Jains view the treatment of all life?
They believe in reincarnation and karma. In all religions, living a good life is taught
“Fasting to Death”
Describe the Jain philosophy of death in general.
Santhara is the art of dying. It is the ultimate test of spirituality and self-discipline. “Not eating” is a non-violent way to detach from this life and prepare for the next while purifying.
“Fasting to Death”
Why is it problematic to judge Eastern Religions using Western laws?
Western laws were founded on Christian inspired bio-ethic; their idea of spiritual advancement is through abstinence and denunation
“Fasting to Death”
Evaluate the statement “no freedom is absolute”- Including the right to freely practice ones religion. What types of boundaries do you think exist to regulate religious beliefs?
In regards to the penal code criminalizing suicide, religious costumes do not violate the law.
“Fasting to Death”
Evaluate the statement “w a clap of his hands the holy man declares the ban or no ban, one hundred percent I will perform Sarantha” and adds “I will not be committing suicide” What do you think that Dharamehad Shastri means? And how may he differentiate Sarantha and suicide?
He who judges that the janis cannot perform Sarantha is not God, and his laws will not prevent reincarnation, regardless he is continuing his rites of passage.
“Fasting to Death”
Evaluate the statement “w a clap of his hands the holy man declares the ban or no ban, one hundred percent I will perform Sarantha” and adds “I will not be committing suicide” What do you think that Dharamehad Shastri means? And how may he differentiate Sarantha and suicide?
He who judges that the janis cannot perform Sarantha is not God, and his laws will not prevent reincarnation, regardless he is continuing his rites of passage.
Value vs. values
Your cultural morality not only varies but that the variation in moral/cultural values impacts how you value resources
local marketplaces characteristics
less dependent on external market forces direct connection product range limited willingness to bargain social relationships regulate this market place degree of fluctuation is less extreme communal setting
National/global marketplaces
- dominate the way people get involved in economics
- goods and services are brought and sold as determined by the preferences of cultural groups or communities
- sale of certain goods (drugs, alcohol, and sex) may occur in underground markets, or distributed through other systems of exchange such as gifting
National/global marketplaces
- dominate the way people get involved in economics
- goods and services are brought and sold as determined by the preferences of cultural groups or communities
- sale of certain goods (drugs, alcohol, and sex) may occur in underground markets, or distributed through other systems of exchange such as gifting
Redistribution taxes
money is collected and used (redistributed) for the whole community or country
summary of purposes of exchange changes
- establish and maintain community and kin relationships
- can establish rank systems enabling people to earn status–> then prestige
- can be used to share productive resources
- can be used to produce wealth
- can help identify relationships that have soured or otherwise need attention
Why may be problematic about assuming general connections between the beliefs and behaviors of populations?
may reduce the complexities of these beliefs in ways that are not desirable nor meaningful
-it is important to realize that people understand and explain the world through their own perspectives which are relationally informed by other social institutions
Kwakwaka’wakw Cannibal Dance
Four day ritual, highlight of Winter Ceremonial- the period of celebration and ritual in which all worldly activities cease
These people views humans as cannibals who had to be socialized and tamed through swaddling, ritual fasting, denial of food, and other actions, parents transform their children from wild beings into moral beings
The dance is a ritualistic enactment of part of the Kwakwaka’wakw mythos
Kwakwaka’wakw Cannibal Dance
Four day ritual, highlight of Winter Ceremonial- the period of celebration and ritual in which all worldly activities cease
These people views humans as cannibals who had to be socialized and tamed through swaddling, ritual fasting, denial of food, and other actions, parents transform their children from wild beings into moral beings
Centers on taming of the hamasta
The dance is a ritualistic enactment of part of the Kwakwaka’wakw mythos
-promotes community sociality
Hamasta
Cannibal spirit that has unquenchable desire for human flesh
The taming occurs in the Big House with community support and actions
What happens when ones beliefs are challenged? For example, if a member of the Holiness Church is bitten by a poisonous snake, do they abandon their beliefs? Why or why not?
Challenges to the belief does not cause one to abandon their belief, instead they just contextualize it to their religion.
Often death from snake bites reaffirm followers beliefs
Rite of passage general definition
any life cycle that marks a person or groups transition from one social state to another
A public ceremony that marks, recognizes, celebrates, or is believed to actually cause a change in a person and his or her status, often brought about or related to increasing age or movement through life events.
Examples of rites of passage
Awa Male Initiation Rituals
Mescalero Apache Initiation to Womanhood
Three phases of rites of passage
Separation: the individual is removed from his or her former status and/or identity.
Liminal/Transition: here, often several learning activities and/or experiences are emphasized, or this period may include specific trials that bring about a change in status and/or identity.
-vary cross-culturally based on the identity and/or status that is being transitioned.
[Re]incorporation: here, individuals re-enter society. If they have successfully achieved their transition this change is then usually publically marked by elaborate rituals and ceremonies
Communitas
bond that participants may gain- an intense sense of community
often emphasized in the liminal/transition stage
Hunters and gatherers (foragers) subsistence strategies
based on gathering, hunting, and fishing of wild materials
foragers tend to be nomadic and have low population density
primary mode of subsistence for the majority of human existence
low population egalitarian little or no sense of personal ownership informal leadership no formal laws or punishments
Pastoralism subsistence strategies
=livestock
based on breeding, tending, and harvesting products of livestock
low to medium
egalitarian
lineage or clan ownership of land and livestock
no formal laws or punishments
one charismatic headman with some authority
Horticulture subsistence strategies
small gardens or fields to support basic family needs
low to medium egalitarian lineage or clan ownership of land and livestock no formal laws or punishments one charismatic headman w some authority
Slash and Burn
(swidden) lag time between replenishment from for planting
Agriculture subsistence strategies
animals and machinery are used to produce crops
soils are used more intensively
irrigation and fertilization techniques to replenish nutrients and maintain stable water sources
needs greater surpluses of resources
nomadic/nomadism
a member of a people having no permanent home, and who travel from place to place to find fresh pasture for their livestock.
sedentary
stationary living
herd-animals
lecture: cattle, camels, llamas, and alpaca, yaks, sheep, goats, horses
ranked societies
(like chiefdoms) distinctions in access or status and wealth based on kinship, but have access to basic resources without important restrictions
class
system of stratification that can be altered (allows mobility) by marriage or other increases in access to power, wealth, and prestige
Benefits and consequences from changes from foraging to agricultural lifestyles
BENEFITS
- enables greater surpluses of resources
- reduces the distance needed for individuals to seek food
- allowed population size and density to increase
- frees up a large portion of the population to engage in other occupations
CONSEQUENCES
- increased labor requirements
- reduced mobility
- increased waste
- increased disease load
- environmental conditions more significant
- as technology increased, fewer people worked directly with food production
misconceptions of foraging lifestyles
- they have a difficult time finding food
- have to compete with dangerous conditions in nature like wild animals
- consume mostly meat products
- work very hard, long hours
- prone to illness and injury
“A Spirit in the Rice Fields”
Which February ritual are the filmmakers hoping to film and what is the ritual about?
Ano Koto-ceremony when a man succeeds in contact with nature.
“A Spirit in the Rice Fields”
Describe the Noto Peninsula. What do people do for a living?
Rural- made up of fisherman and ricegrowers
Not enough to get by, many people have second job in city
“A Spirit in the Rice Fields”
What food is common to find being prepared by street vendors at the marketplace?
Sushi
“A Spirit in the Rice Fields”
What inhabits all of nature?
A spirit known as the Kami
“A Spirit in the Rice Fields”
What are the two dominant religions in Japan?
Buddhism and Shinto
“A Spirit in the Rice Fields”
What do Shinto priest pray for?
For life, people’s happiness, and health. Thank the spirits and ask for protection
“A Spirit in the Rice Fields”
What are some characteristics of Shinto beliefs?
Belief in nature and spirits than inhabit it
Multitude of spirits instead of one single God
No bible
Many temples that belong to spirits
“A Spirit in the Rice Fields”
Describe the Suzu perspective of the sea’s generosity and the fish auction.
Such an abundance has to be earned, sea is fearsome and ally for people; feeding and protecting people.
People must ask Kami for abundant catch and good weather before leaving for sea.
Fish is sold quickly using codified language. Everything is sold and packed off within minutes
“A Spirit in the Rice Fields”
What are some of the expectations for hosts in Japan?
Offering meal and hot bath to guests upon welcoming.
“A Spirit in the Rice Fields”
Why might the bathhouses still be successful in Japan?
People come to bathhouses to relax, chat with others, and has an authentic charm that people seem to really like.
“A Spirit in the Rice Fields”
What is the Tea Ceremony? Its characteristics? How many tea ceremony variations are there in Japan?
Calm and slow
Art, mixed with cultural heritage and artistic expression
7 or 8 different tea ceremonies, subtle but real differences
Comes from Zen school- no talking, but not forbidden
“A Spirit in the Rice Fields”
What is happening to the size of schools in Japan? How is this problematic?
Numbers are going down in schools each year
Local population is shrinking, so naturally less children
School will probably end up closing because of less pupils
Genuine local heritage based on the mastery of skills-passed down to generations
“A Spirit in the Rice Fields”
What are the Wajimia nuri?
Lacquer Balls, begins with piece of wood from peninsula
Treasured in the culture
Wood begins untreated but gets smoked for three months
Represents continuation of this period
“A Spirit in the Rice Fields”
How many years does it take to master the skills to make nuri?
Long time… Can be any amount- man in video has been doing it for twenty years and still learning
Takes at least ten years to become good craftsman
“A Spirit in the Rice Fields”
In thinking about how rice is important, and what the Ano Koto is (question 1), how might these be more in terms of the importance to the Japanese? Think about the description by the young rice farmer and his family.
Eat rice with every meal
Rice played a part in every day of his life- never wasted a grain.
Ana Koto- spirit plays big part in growth
“A Spirit in the Rice Fields”
How did the young farmer learn more about the Ano koto?
watching his father
“A Spirit in the Rice Fields”
What is the relationship between the Kami and farmers?
Spirit in rice field
Invites spirit to spend a month and a half in his home, and all the welcoming rituals
Rest of ceremony takes place in private between farmer and Kami
“A Spirit in the Rice Fields”
Which is more important, performing the ceremony perfectly or having it be special and significant for the farmer?
Be special and significant for the farmer
Sahlin and Service's model of socio-political organization Band= ? Tribe= ? Cheifdom= ? State= ?
Band= Foraging Tribe= Horticulture and Pastoralism Chiefdom= Extensive Agriculture, intensive fishing State= intensive agriculture
