article
Nagual, witch, and sorcerer in a Quiché village
Ethnology • 3 (3) • Published In 1964 • Pages: 305-328
By: Saler, Benson.
Abstract
This article examines the place in the Quiché worldview of the nagual, which has been understood by various ethnographers as a companion or guardian spirit, destiny animal, or transforming witch. The author distinguishes between the sorcerer and the witch, both of whom make use of such spirit animals. The central argument is that the historical and socio-economic context of a community influences how the concept of nagual is understood and utilized.
- Region
- Middle America and the Caribbean
- Sub Region
- Maya Area
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Ethnologist-4, 5
- Analyst
- Ian Skoggard; 2021
- Coverage Date
- 1958-1959
- Coverage Place
- El Palmar, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
- Notes
- Benson Saler
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 327-328)
- LCCN
- 64005713
- LCSH
- Quiché Indians