article
Dreams of a final Sherpa
American anthropologist • 99 (1) • Published In 1997 • Pages: 85-98
By: Adams, Vincanne.
Abstract
In this paper Adams analyses a Sherpa curing ceremony in order to understand Sherpa notions of self and reality. He also examines the relationship between Sherpas and foreigners, including anthropologists. Sherpa curing ceremonies involve bringing together the supernatural and natural worlds. Demons and gods are invited to inhabit their effigies that are specially made for the ceremony. The practitioner and patient identify themselves with the Buddha effigies. According to Adams, this transference of self fits into the Buddhist ideas about the impermanence of the world and the need to detach oneself from it. One builds merit to the degree one can disengage. Adams asks how can one talk about an essential Sherpa subject when the Sherpa self is so labile? Sherpas readily identify themselves with Western tourists' imaginings about the Sherpa, both close-to-nature and Eastern in outlook. In their relationship with foreigners, Sherpas form profitable friendships and gain merit at the same time.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2004
- Region
- Asia
- Sub Region
- Central Asia
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Ian Skoggard ; 20002
- Field Date
- 1989-1990
- Coverage Date
- 1960-1995
- Coverage Place
- Khum Jung village, Solu-Khombu District, Khosi Zone, Nepal
- Notes
- Vincanne Adams
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 96-98)
- LCCN
- 17015424
- LCSH
- Sherpa (Nepalese people)