Bodies and Persons Comparative Perspectives from Africa and Melanesia [Hardcover]

A comparative analysis of notions of personhood and embodiment in African and Melanesian societies.This book suggests a bold comparative approach to broad cultural differences between African and Melanesia. Its theme is personhood, understood in terms of what anthropologists call embodiment. These concepts are applied to questions ranging from the meanings of spirit possession, to the logics of witchcraft and kinship relations, the use of rituals in healing, and even the impact of capitalism. Questioning common assumptions about the huge differences between these discrete areas, the contributions document surprising continuities.This book suggests a bold comparative approach to broad cultural differences between African and Melanesia. Its theme is personhood, understood in terms of what anthropologists call embodiment. These concepts are applied to questions ranging from the meanings of spirit possession, to the logics of witchcraft and kinship relations, the use of rituals in healing, and even the impact of capitalism. Questioning common assumptions about the huge differences between these discrete areas, the contributions document surprising continuities.This book suggests a bold comparative approach to broad cultural differences between Africa and Melanesia. Its theme is personhood, understood in terms of what anthropologists call embodiment. These concepts are applied to questions ranging from the meanings of spirit possession, to the logics of witchcraft and kinship relations, the use of rituals in healing, and even the impact of capitalism. Questioning common assumptions about the huge differences among these discrete areas, the contributions document surprising continuities.1. Introduction Andrew Strathern; Part I. Transcending Dichotomies: 2. 'It's a boy', 'It's a girl!': reflections on sex and gender in Madagascar and beyond Rita Astuti; 3. Modernity and formative personhood in Melanesia Edward LiPuma; 4. Refiguring the person: the dynamics of affectl“.