Book
The hill of flutes: life, love, and poetry in tribal India : a portrait of the Santals
University of Pittsburgh Press • Pittsburgh • Published In 1974 • Pages:
By: Archer, W. G. (William George).
Abstract
This book presents a wide variety of ethnographic topics dealing with the Santals of the Santal Parganas District, Bihar, India, during the period of 1942-1946 while the author was serving as Deputy Commissioner of the district. The study deviates somewhat from traditional monographs in that it does not deal with the material culture aspects or modes of production of the people, nor does it provide information on the range and dimensions of culture contact. The overall focus of this work is on certain aspects of Santal life such as life-cycle ceremonies and festivals, sex, and love. The study begins with a description of the ideal village, the clan system, and the world of spirits (BONGAS), followed by a portrayal of life-cycle events (birth, childhood, adolescence, and death), social dances, marriage and fertility, sorcery, religion, and the annual hunt. Special emphasis in the document is on Santal poetry and songs found interspersed throughout the text, many of which are highly erotic in nature.
- HRAF PubDate
- 1998
- Region
- Asia
- Sub Region
- South Asia
- Document Type
- Book
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Government Official
- Document Rating
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- John Beierle ; 1996
- Field Date
- 1942-1946
- Coverage Date
- 1942-1946
- Coverage Place
- Santal Parganas District, Bihar, India
- Notes
- W. G. Archer
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 354-358) and indexes
- LCCN
- 73013311
- LCSH
- Santal (South Asian people)