article

Cults of the dead among the Nayars

Journal of American Folklore71 • Published In 1958 • Pages: 446-478

By: Gough, Kathleen.

Abstract
The author presents a socio-psychological analysis of Nayar cults of the dead in relation to economic and legal institutions, and in regard to their emotional content. The focus is on two cults: one associated with lineage ghosts and the other with alien ghosts (of those who died prematurely or by violence). The former models respect for authority and enhances group unity. The latter serves, through the threat of witchcraft and sorcery, as a check on the abuse of authority and inter-caste exploitation. The work concludes with a discussion of various changes taking place in cults of the dead.
Subjects
Castes
Lineages
Provinces
Polygamy
Residence
Nuclear family
Social placement
Regulation of marriage
Cult of the dead
Status, role, and prestige
Sacred objects and places
Prayers and sacrifices
Gender status
Family relationships
Sex and marital offenses
Extended families
Cultural participation
culture
Kerala
HRAF PubDate
2017
Region
Asia
Sub Region
South Asia
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle; 1966-1968
Field Date
1947-1949, 1952
Coverage Date
1792-1952
Coverage Place
northern and central Kerala, India
Notes
E. Kathleen Gough
Footnotes appearing in the text will be found in categories 113 and 116, pp. 477-478.
Includes bibliographical references
LCCN
17028737
LCSH
Kerala (India)