Book
Sherpas through their rituals
Cambridge University Press • Cambridge • Published In 1978 • Pages: 12, 195
By: Ortner, Sherry B..
Abstract
This monograph presents a detailed study of three major Sherpa religious rituals -- the NYUNGNE, or atonement of individuals through fasting and silence; the extended set of exorcism rites following a funeral, designed to cleanse pollution from the participants; and the rites of offerings to the gods to insure the continued protection of the community against the demons. Interwoven throughout the discussion of these rituals is the Sherpa concept of hospitality by means of which the gods are fed and praised and petitioned for their on going support. Ortner also attempts to show how the shaping of consciousness takes place through the individuals participation in the rituals. The author's anslysis of the symbolism of the rituals is often highly theoretical and metaphysical in nature and closely tied-in with the dogma and theology of Sherpa Buddhism.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2004
- Region
- Asia
- Sub Region
- Central Asia
- Document Type
- Book
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- John Beierle ; 1991
- Field Date
- 1966-1976
- Coverage Date
- not specified
- Coverage Place
- General Everest region, Nepal
- Notes
- [by] Sherry B. Ortner
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 187-189) and index
- LCSH
- Sherpa (Nepalese people)