article

Jivaro souls

American anthropologist • 64 (2) • Published In 1962 • Pages: 258-272

By: Harner, Michael J..

Abstract

This is a technically sophisticated analysis of a complex system of soul beliefs, and of their functional interrelations with other cultural, social and psychological variables. Specifically, there are two basic themes in the article: (1) a precise description and analysis of soul beliefs and associated supernatural traits, showing that they form a logically integrated system; and (2) a functional interpretation of the relations of this system to two outstanding behavioral patterns of the Jivaro -- internecine killing and the taking and shrinking of human heads The belief system provides the cultural nexus -- not a causal explanation -- of these practices, and the total constitutes an internally consistent cultural complex of major significance in Jivaro society In view of this, it should be noted that apparently nearly all of Harner's data was obtained from interviews, not personal observations, and no concrete or quantified data are presented -- the article being written at a generalized level The author does include a comparison and critique of pertinent data from the earlier major sources on the Jivaro

HRAF PubDate

2000

Region

South America

Sub Region

Amazon and Orinoco

Document Type

article

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Robert O. Lagacé

Field Date

1956-1957

Coverage Date

1956-1957

Coverage Place

Equador

Notes

Michael J. Harner

Footnotes appearing at the end of the article may be found in pages 270-272

Includes bibliographical references (p.272)

LCCN

17015424

LCSH

Jivaro Indians/Shuar Indians