Title
The Politics Of Divination: A Processual View Of Reactions To Illness And Deviance Among The Sisala Of Northern Ghana
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The Politics Of Divination, First Published In 1982, Was A Ground Breaking Work In The Political Economy Of An African Culture, The Sisala Of Northern Ghana. The Author Shows How Elders Use Divination As A Political Tool To Control The Behavior Of Women And Young Men. Gerontocratic Control Through Ritual Means Is An Attempt By Elders To Dominate The Economic Activities Of Youthful Men, And The Production And Reproduction Of Women. Yet, The Elders Are Not Entirely Successful In Such Attempts, And Their Efforts At Social Control Sometimes Have Less Than Altruistic Motives, As The Many Cases In The Book Show. The Author Presents Divination And Ancestral Sacrifice In A Processual View. Within The Context Of The Divinatory Process Strategizing Elders Work And Rework The Rules Of Their Society To Deal With Real Life Situations, Illness, Misfortune And Death. Like Many Other Africans, The Sisala Believe That Such Misfortunes Are Ultimatley Caused By Ancestral Anger, Which Can Be Seen As A Reflection Of Social Tension And Conflict Among The Living. Divination Points Out Deviants In The Family Who Are Poised As The Cause Of Such Misfortunes, And This Conflict Is Rectified Through Ancestral Propitiation Via Blood Sacrifice On Family Shrines.
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- Q: What is the page count of this book? A: This book contains two hundred ninety-two pages. It provides an in-depth exploration of divination practices among the Sisala of Northern Ghana.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is available in paperback binding. This makes it lightweight and easy to handle for reading.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The dimensions of the book are six inches in length and nine inches in height. This size makes it portable for readers.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Eugene L. Mendonsa. He presents a processual view of cultural practices in Northern Ghana.
- Q: What genre does this book fall under? A: The book falls under the genre of Economic Policy and Development. It analyzes political and social dynamics within the Sisala culture.
- Q: How does divination serve in the Sisala culture? A: Divination serves as a political tool in the Sisala culture. Elders use it to assert control over family members and manage social order.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, this book is suitable for academic study. It offers valuable insights into political economy and cultural practices.
- Q: How can I apply the insights from this book? A: You can apply the insights by understanding cultural dynamics and the role of tradition in social control. It can aid in comparative cultural studies.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for casual reading? A: Yes, this book can be read casually. It is engaging for those interested in anthropology and political economy.
- Q: What is the condition of the used book? A: The book is described as being in good condition. This indicates that it should be readable with minimal wear.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: Store the book in a cool, dry place to preserve its condition. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Q: Can I return this book if I do not like it? A: Return policies may vary, but generally, most sellers allow returns within a specific timeframe. Check the seller's return policy for details.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact the seller immediately for a replacement or refund. Most sellers have policies for damaged goods.
- Q: Are there any specific cleaning instructions for this book? A: Avoid cleaning the book with water or chemicals. Instead, keep it dust-free by gently wiping it with a dry cloth.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in anthropology? A: Yes, this book is suitable for beginners. It provides foundational knowledge about divination and cultural practices.
- Q: How does this book compare to other works on African cultures? A: This book uniquely focuses on divination as a political tool, providing insights that may differ from other anthropological studies of African cultures.