article

Nagual, witch, and sorcerer in a Quiché village

Ethnology3 (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.
Subjects
Sorcery
Shamans and psychotherapists
Animism
Ethnozoology
culture
Quiché Maya
Region
Middle America and the Caribbean
Sub Region
Maya Area
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard; 2021
Field Date
1958-1959
Coverage Date
1958-1959
Coverage Place
El Palmar, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Notes
Benson Saler
Includes bibliographical references (p. 327-328)
LCCN
64005713
LCSH
Quiché Indians