Publication Information
Author:
Aginsky, B. W.
Title:
The socio-psychological significance of death among the Pomo
Indians
Published in:
The American imago -- Vol. 1
Published By:
The American imago -- Vol. 1
[Baltimore, Md., etc.]: Johns Hopkins University Press [etc.], 1940.
1-11 p.
By line:
B. W. Aginsky
HRAF Publication Information: New Haven, Conn.:
HRAF, 2000. Computer File
Culture:
Pomo (NS18)
Subjects:
Drives and emotions (152);
Ethos (181);
Theory of disease (753);
Sorcery (754);
Magical and mental therapy (755);
Shamans and psychotherapists (756);
Life and death (761);
Suicide (762);
Eschatology (775);
Spirits and gods (776);
Abstract:
This article deals with the concept of death among the Pomo, primarily
as it manifests itself as the result of the direct or sometimes indirect
retaliation either from the supernaturals as a penalty for the violation of a
taboo or coming into physical contact with them, or as a result of sorcery
worked upon by one's enemies. The author concludes that the great number of
anxieties and anxiety producing situations in which the Pomo were involved, were
instrumental in inducing psychotic states akin to what we term suicide. This
state, unless treated by psycho-magical/medical therapy as practiced by Pomo
curing doctors, often led to death of the individual.
Document Number:
12
Document ID: ns18-012
Document Type:
Journal Article
Language:
English
Note:
Includes bibliographical
references
Field Date:
1934-1935
Evaluation:
Ethnologist-5
Analyst:
John Beierle ; 1960
Coverage Date:
not specified
Coverage Place:
northern California
, United States
LCSH:
Pomo Indians
