Book
Domestic architecture among the Kandyan Sinhalese
University Microfilms • Ann Arbor, Michigan • Published In 1974 • Pages:
By: MacDougall, Robert Duncan.
Abstract
This dissertation is a detailed description of domestic architecture and material culture, and their ecological and symbolic contexts within a largely traditional village. MacDougall presents very detailed descriptions (including scale plans and photos) of the dwellings and their contents, with inventories of a number of houses. Differences due to age, life cycle position, and socioeconomic status are discussed. The place of supernatural in everyday life and the importance of astrology and ritual in house construction are dealt with thoroughly. The first part deals with material culture and dwelling construction, while the second covers social and ideological aspects. Attention is also given to the kinship structure of the households. The importance of symbolic over formal principles in Sinhalese architecture is stressed. Any alteration of nature, such as building a house, must be undertaken with the greatest care not to upset the supernatural laws (thus the need for astrology). Rituals are used to maintain the natural balance. A good bibliography is provided.
- HRAF PubDate
- 1997
- Region
- Asia
- Sub Region
- South Asia
- Document Type
- Book
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Martin Malone ; Marlene Martin ; 1975-1976
- Field Date
- 1964-1965 (Sept.-Sept.)
- Coverage Date
- not specified
- Coverage Place
- Kandy area; 'Rangama', Sri Lanka
- Notes
- Robert Duncan MacDougall
- Since there is so much data on material culture and extensive lists of possessions, most household objects are indexed for Utensils (415), unless they are described more fully. KAARENA, the manipulation of supernatural forces for immediate ends, has been indexed for Magic (789).
- UM 71-29,259
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 931-937)
- Thesis (Ph.D.) -- Cornell University, 1971
- LCSH
- Sinhalese (Sri Lankan people)