article
Cults of the dead among the Nayars
Journal of American Folklore • 71 • 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.
- 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)