Book

Domestic architecture among the Kandyan Sinhalese

University Microfilms • Ann Arbor, Michigan • Published In 1974 • Pages:

By: MacDougall, Robert Duncan.

Abstract
This dissertation is a detailed description of domestic architecture and material culture, and their ecological and symbolic contexts within a largely traditional village. MacDougall presents very detailed descriptions (including scale plans and photos) of the dwellings and their contents, with inventories of a number of houses. Differences due to age, life cycle position, and socioeconomic status are discussed. The place of supernatural in everyday life and the importance of astrology and ritual in house construction are dealt with thoroughly. The first part deals with material culture and dwelling construction, while the second covers social and ideological aspects. Attention is also given to the kinship structure of the households. The importance of symbolic over formal principles in Sinhalese architecture is stressed. Any alteration of nature, such as building a house, must be undertaken with the greatest care not to upset the supernatural laws (thus the need for astrology). Rituals are used to maintain the natural balance. A good bibliography is provided.
Subjects
Equipment and maintenance of buildings
Architecture
Dwellings
Utensils
Literary texts
Household
Kinship terminology
Revelation and divination
Magic
culture
Sinhalese
HRAF PubDate
1997
Region
Asia
Sub Region
South Asia
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Martin Malone ; Marlene Martin ; 1975-1976
Field Date
1964-1965 (Sept.-Sept.)
Coverage Date
not specified
Coverage Place
Kandy area; 'Rangama', Sri Lanka
Notes
Robert Duncan MacDougall
Since there is so much data on material culture and extensive lists of possessions, most household objects are indexed for Utensils (415), unless they are described more fully. KAARENA, the manipulation of supernatural forces for immediate ends, has been indexed for Magic (789).
UM 71-29,259
Includes bibliographical references (p. 931-937)
Thesis (Ph.D.) -- Cornell University, 1971
LCSH
Sinhalese (Sri Lankan people)