|
|
The Melanesians: Studies in Their Anthropology and Folk-Lore
Contents:
Show Summary
Hide Summary
Historical SummaryThe conception that the immediate dead of the family and sib haunt the neighborhood raises the problem of how they shall be treated, and the definition of this situation takes two opposite directions—a policy of cultivating further relations with them and utilizing them on the one hand, and of avoiding and being rid of them on the other. The continuance of relations may be indicated by some simple gestures of remembrance:
CHAPTER XI
Spiritual Intimacies and Avoidances
The simplest and most common sacrificial act is that of throwing a small portion of food to the dead; this is probably a universal practice in Melanesia. A fragment of food ready to be eaten, of yam, a leaf of mallow, a bit of betel nut, is thrown aside, and, where they drink kava, a libation is made of a few drops, as the share of departed friends, or as a memorial of them with which they will be gratified. This is done perhaps with the calling of the name of someone recently deceased or particularly in remembrance at the time, or else with a general regard to the ghosts of former members of the community. It is hardly thought that this becomes in fact the food of the departed, but somehow it is to their advantage, at any rate it pleases them.1
1Codrington, R.H.n/an/an/an/a, , 128 (Clarendon Press. By permission).
Contents:
Chicago:
"The Melanesians: Studies in Their Anthropology and Folk-Lore," The Melanesians: Studies in Their Anthropology and Folk-Lore in Primitive Behavior: An Introduction to the Social Sciences, ed. Thomas, William I. (New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc., 1937), Original Sources, accessed August 29, 2025, http://www.originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=D9H3KHSUUQ3CNZ8.
MLA:
. "The Melanesians: Studies in Their Anthropology and Folk-Lore." The Melanesians: Studies in Their Anthropology and Folk-Lore, in Primitive Behavior: An Introduction to the Social Sciences, edited by Thomas, William I., New York, McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc., 1937, Original Sources. 29 Aug. 2025. http://www.originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=D9H3KHSUUQ3CNZ8.
Harvard:
, 'The Melanesians: Studies in Their Anthropology and Folk-Lore' in The Melanesians: Studies in Their Anthropology and Folk-Lore. cited in 1937, Primitive Behavior: An Introduction to the Social Sciences, ed. , McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc., New York. Original Sources, retrieved 29 August 2025, from http://www.originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=D9H3KHSUUQ3CNZ8.
|