article

The loom of life: a Kogi principle of integration

Journal of Latin American lore • 4 (1) • Published In 1978 • Pages: 5-27

By: Reichel-Dolmatoff, Gerardo.

Abstract

This article is a rich ethnographic account of the symbolic importance of weaving in Kogi culture. Unlike neighboring tribes, the Kogi do not buy ready-made clothes, but continue to grow their own cotton, spin their own yarn and weave their own cloth, and make their own clothes. The symbolism of weaving permeates all aspects of Kogi culture and serves as an unifying element to Kogi life. The sun in its daily cycles and between the solstices weaves the Great Fabric of Life on the loom that is the Mother Goddess. The narrow ray of light that is allowed to penetrate a temple's roof traces in the course of a year a square 'fabric' on the floor, sanctifying the temple. The shape of the loom serves as a key pattern and mnenomic device for local geography, locations of ceremonial centers, lineage histories and relationships, and eschatological concerns. Weaving is also a metaphor for sexual intercourse and procreation: only men weave and the loom represents a woman's body with the uterus at its center.

HRAF PubDate

1997

Region

South America

Sub Region

Northwestern South America

Document Type

article

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Ian Skoggard ; 1996

Field Date

1976-1977

Coverage Date

not specified

Coverage Place

Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

Notes

G. Reichel-Dolmatoff

Includes bibliographical references (p. 27)

LCCN

75648807

LCSH

Kagaba Indians