article

The Munchu: system of Kudaka Island, Okinawa: a preliminary analysis for the understanding of village cult organization in Kudaka

Minzokugaku-kenkyu • 47 (4) • Published In 1983 • Pages: 336-355

By: Akamine Masanobu.

Abstract
In this article Akamine discusses the descent groups (MUNCHU) of Kudaka, a small island off of the southeast coast of Okinawa. Although Kudaka is one of the area's earliest settlements, the MUNCHU is a recent addition from the mainland (Okinawa) that was superimposed over a village ancestor-worshipping cult (MUTUGAMI). Instead of worshipping local ancestors, MUNCHU members worship ancestors from the mainland, where the MUCHU system has a longer history. The Kudaka data provides insight into Okinawa's pre-MUNCHU society and its later transformation.
Subjects
Residence
Household
Adoption
Kinship terminology
Clans
Spirits and gods
culture
Okinawans
HRAF PubDate
2000
Region
Asia
Sub Region
East Asia
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 2000
Field Date
1979-1980
Coverage Date
1868-1980
Coverage Place
Kudaka island, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
Notes
Akamine Masanobu
Includes bibliographical references (p. 355)
LCSH
Ryukyuans