article

Dreams of a final Sherpa

American anthropologist99 (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.
Subjects
Acculturation and culture contact
Magical and mental therapy
General character of religion
Cosmology
Spirits and gods
Theological systems
Prophets and ascetics
Ethnopsychology
culture
Sherpa
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)