Title
The Jaguar and the Priest: An Ethnography of Tzeltal Souls (The Linda Schele Series in Maya and PreColumbian Studies),Used
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In contrast to western notions of the soul as the essence or most native part of a human being, the Tzeltalspeaking Indians of Chiapas, Mexico, regard the soul first and foremost as an Other. Made up of beings that personify the antithesis of their native selvesanimals such as hummingbirds or jaguars, atmospheric phenomena like lightning bolts or rainbows, or spirits of European appearance such as Catholic priests or evangelical musiciansTzeltal souls represent the maximum expression of that which is alien. And because their souls enfold that which is outside and Other, the Tzeltal contain within themselves the history of their relationship with Europeans from the beginning of the Spanish conquest to the present time. Thus, to understand the Indian self opens a window into the Tzeltal conception of culture and community, their notions of identity and alterity, and their interpretation of interethnic relations and types of historical memory.In this pathfinding ethnography, which was originally published in Spanish in 1996 as Ch'ulel: una etnografa de las almas tzeltales and is now extensively rewritten and amplified in English, Pedro Pitarch offers a new understanding of indigenous concepts of the soul, personhood, and historical memory in highland Chiapas. Exploring numerous aspects of indigenous culture and historymedicine and shamanism, geography and cosmology, and politics and kinship among themhe engages in a radical rethinking of classic issues in Mesoamerican anthropology, such as ethnicity and alterity, community and tradition, and change and permanence.
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- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book has two hundred eighty-three pages. This length provides ample content for an in-depth exploration of Tzeltal culture and beliefs.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is bound in paperback. This makes it lightweight and easy to handle for reading or reference.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures six inches in length, zero point eight inches in width, and nine point zero two inches in height. These dimensions make it portable and suitable for bookshelves.
- Q: Who is the author of the book? A: The author of the book is Pedro Pitarch. He provides a unique perspective on indigenous beliefs and cultural history.
- Q: What is the main subject of this book? A: The main subject of the book is Tzeltal spirituality and cultural identity. It investigates the concept of the soul within the Tzeltal community of Chiapas, Mexico.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic use? A: Yes, the book is suitable for academic use. It provides valuable insights into Mesoamerican anthropology and indigenous studies.
- Q: How should I store this book to keep it in good condition? A: Store the book in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This prevents damage and preserves the quality of the pages and binding.
- Q: Can I clean the book if it gets dirty? A: Yes, you can clean the book. Use a dry cloth to gently wipe the cover and avoid using liquid cleaners that may damage the pages.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you can return it for a replacement or refund. Ensure you keep the packaging for a smooth return process.
- Q: Is there a warranty on this book? A: No, books typically do not come with a warranty. However, you may return it if it arrives in unsatisfactory condition.
- Q: How does this book compare to other works in Native American Studies? A: This book offers a unique perspective on Tzeltal culture, distinguishing it from other Native American Studies texts that may focus on different tribes or themes.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for young readers? A: No, this book is not specifically aimed at young readers. It is geared towards those interested in cultural studies and anthropology.
- Q: Are there illustrations in this book? A: Yes, the book includes black and white illustrations. These visuals enhance the understanding of the cultural concepts discussed.
- Q: What themes are explored in this book? A: The book explores themes of identity, alterity, and historical memory within the context of Tzeltal culture. These themes are crucial for understanding their worldview.
- Q: Is this a recent publication? A: No, the book was originally published in nineteen ninety-six and has since been rewritten and amplified for its English edition.