Rites_of_affliction Ritual

anthropologist victor turner defines rites of affliction actions seek mitigate spirits inflict humans misfortune. these rites may include forms of spirit divination (consulting oracles) establish causes—and rituals heal, purify, exorcise, , protect. misfortune experienced may include individual health, broader climate-related issues such drought or plagues of insects. healing rites performed shamans identify social disorder cause, , make restoration of social relationships cure.

turner uses example of isoma ritual among ndembu of northwestern zambia illustrate. isoma rite of affliction used cure childless woman of infertility. infertility result of structural tension between matrilineal descent , virilocal marriage (i.e., tension woman feels between mother s family, whom owes allegiance, , husband s family among whom must live). because woman has come closely in touch man s side in marriage dead matrikin have impaired fertility. correct balance of matrilinial descent , marriage, isoma ritual dramatically placates deceased spirits requiring woman reside mother s kin.

masquerade @ carnival of venice.

shamanic , other ritual may effect psychotherapeutic cure, leading anthropologists such jane atkinson theorize how. atkinson argues effectiveness of shamanic ritual individual may depend upon wider audiences acknowledging shaman s power, may lead shaman placing greater emphasis on engaging audience in healing of patient.