essay

Inverted sacrifice

circumpolar religion and ecology : an anthropology of the north • Tokyo • Published In 1994 • Pages: 253-271

By: Sharp, Henry S..

Abstract

In this paper, Sharp examines Chipewyan hunting practices and beliefs as a form of 'inverted' sacrifice, in which the animal offers itself to the human hunter. The Chipewyans believe that a successful kill could only occur if an animal gives itself to the hunter. This 'luck' is associated with dreams in which hunters learn from animal spirits where to find animals. The Chipewyan idea of INKONZE, or supernatural power, invokes the unity of all beings, humans and animals, and the reciprocity that exists between them. Sharp examines the broader literature on sacrifice, which according to him is based on a hierarchical, dualistic, and mechanical model of the universe, one not shared by the Chipewyan.

HRAF PubDate

2000

Region

North America

Sub Region

Arctic and Subarctic

Document Type

essay

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Ian Skoggard ; 1999

Field Date

1969

Coverage Date

1965-1985

Coverage Place

north-central Canada

Notes

Henry S. Sharp

Includes bibliographical references (p. 270-271)

LCCN

95127754

LCSH

Chipewyan Indians