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    • Publisher:
      Cambridge University Press
      Publication date:
      05 June 2012
      28 March 1998
      ISBN:
      9780511802782
      9780521621946
      9780521627375
      DOI:
      https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511802782
      Dimensions:
      (228 x 152 mm)
      Weight & Pages:
      0.63kg, 314 Pages
      Dimensions:
      (228 x 152 mm)
      Weight & Pages:
      0.631kg, 316 Pages
      • Subjects:
      Social Theory, Anthropology, Sociology, Anthropological Theory
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    Subjects:
    Social Theory, Anthropology, Sociology, Anthropological Theory
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    Book description

    Large-scale comparisons are out of fashion in anthropology, but this book suggests a bold comparative approach to broad cultural differences between Africa and Melanesia. Its theme is personhood, which is 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 to heal the sick, 'electric vampires', and even the impact of capitalism. There are detailed ethnographic analyses, and suggestive comparisons of classic African and Melanesian ethnographic cases, such as the Nuer and the Melpa. The contributors debate alternative strategies for cross-cultural comparison, and demonstrate that there is a surprising range of continuities, putting in question common assumptions about the huge differences between these two parts of the world.

    Reviews

    "This is a valuable contribution to comparative ethnography." Religious Studies Review

    "Lambek and Strathern have produced a rich and fascinating volume...This volume should interest all who are concerned with Africa, Melanesia, comparison, person/body, and contemporary anthropological theory. It is an example of what the best of edited volumes should be." Pacific Affairs Winter 01

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