article
The supernatural in Tonga
American anthropologist, n.s. • 23 • Published In 1962 • Pages: 415-444
By: Collocott, E. E. V. (Ernest Edgar Vyvyan).
Abstract
This source discusses various aspects of two key Tongan religious concepts: tabu and mana. Tabu refers to sacredness and prescriptions for proper behavior. Under the heading of tabu are prescriptions referring to: birth and puberty, social tabus, death, the Tui Tonga, ceremonious speech, the installation of the Tui Kanokupolu, fishing, and sin. Mana refers to supernatural force. It may be found in omens, people and tools, especially weapons, apparitions, divination, witchcraft, and spirit possession. Much of the information in the source is based on historical texts and the memory of older informants since Christianity has supplanted most of the beliefs and practices reported here.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2006
- Region
- Oceania
- Sub Region
- Polynesia
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Missionary
- Document Rating
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Martin J. Malone; 1978
- Field Date
- no date
- Coverage Date
- not specified
- Coverage Place
- Tonga
- Notes
- By E. E. V. Collocott
- Includes bibliographical references
- LCCN
- 17015424
- LCSH
- Tongans