Book

Bemba myth and ritual: the impact of literacy on an oral culture

P. Lang • 2 • Published In 1983 • Pages: xxiii, 197

By: Maxwell, Kevin B. (Kevin Burns).

Abstract

Maxwell bases this study of the Bemba on the distinction between an oral-aural culture, one that pertains to the mouth and ear, and a visualist culture, which pertains to the eye. The Bemba are members of an oral society. Hearing is their primary cognitive sense and the physical properties of sound significantly affect their worldview. Maxwell focuses on the traditional religion of the Bemba and presents analyses of their charter myth, initiation rites, divinities, and traditional authorities in terms of their acoustic characteristics. He also discusses the Bemba conversion to Christianity and suggests that the survival of elements of their traditional oral religion has become dependent on their acculturation to a visualist culture and literacy.

HRAF PubDate

1997

Region

Africa

Sub Region

Southern Africa

Document Type

Book

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Ronald Johnson ; 1995

Field Date

1978-79, 1981

Coverage Date

not specified

Coverage Place

northeastern Zambia

Notes

Kevin B. Maxwell

Includes bibliographical references (p. 177-197)

LCCN

83048769

LCSH

Bemba (African people)