article
Mortuary ritual of the Badagas of southern India
Fieldiana. Anthropology, n.s. • 32 • Published In 2001 • Pages: x, 72
By: Hockings, Paul.
Abstract
This is a reconstruction of a traditional Badaga funeral based on first-hand reports dating back to the early nineteenth century and the author's own field notes. Hockings presents the data in five stages: preparation, display, procession, disposal and subsequent rites. Funerals are communal affairs lead by village headmen and involve elements of the larger community: agnates and affines, men and women, class and neighboring tribal groups. Death is a polluting act that threatens the stability of the whole commnunity and all members are involved in restoring purity through various symbolic acts such as dancing, music and gift exchanges. According to Hockings, the various stages of the funeral represent the gradual separation of the deceased and his soul from the community. The Badaga do not believe in reincarnation. An impressive multi-storied construction with flags and umbrellas is used in the procession. A photo essay is included.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2005
- Region
- Asia
- Sub Region
- South Asia
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Ian Skoggard ; 2004
- Field Date
- 1962-1993
- Coverage Date
- 1820-1963
- Coverage Place
- Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu State, India
- Notes
- Paul Hockings
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 71-72)
- LCCN
- 06020329
- LCSH
- Badaga (Indic people)