![anthrpology by zest.png](https://steemitimages.com/DQmSvw8Ajhp9DatxPxokbj9DLccu2uSbFkzjXFBPgbkLckJ/anthrpology%20by%20zest.png)

**Disclaimer**
***It is not the aim of anthropological study to obtain factual knowledge of supernatural beings or powers. The aim, instead, is to understand the great variety of conceptions of the supernatural within the context of particular systems or communities. Anthropologists will unavoidably be influenced by their own beliefs and their own conception (or denial) of supernatural. It is, however, their task to understand any religious system in terms of its meaning for its adherents.***


## **The Anthropological view on Religion, The Supernatural and Magic : Part 4**

<div class="pull-center"><center><img src="http://clipart-library.com/image_gallery/12102.jpg" /><br/><em><a href="http://clipart-library.com/image_gallery/12102.jpg">Image Source</a></em></center></div>

## **The supernatural in particular objects, words and actions**

<div class="pull-center"><center><img src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/03/26/20/30/crystal-1281265_960_720.jpg" /><br/><em><a href="">Source: Pixabay</a></em></center></div>

<div class="pull-right"><center><img src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2017/06/29/20/30/religion-2456138_960_720.jpg" /><br/><em><a href="">Source: Pixabay</a></em></center></div>

Various objects may be of religious significance because of their close association with supernatural beings or powers. The following are examples of such objects ("objects" sometimes include words or actions):

- **Images** of gods and spirits are often believed to be the temporary seat of such beings. Rituals performed by the  Tamil/Hindu include the various objects that signify the presence of Gods. A permanent family altar may contain a brass vessel with water as the seat of the [Goddess Ganga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganges_in_Hinduism), as well as [Lakshmi lamp](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshmi_Puja), which is the seat of the [Goddess Lakshmi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshmi
), the guardian of the home. Other seats of gods are framed pictures or representations of the Gods. On special occasions a temporary seat may be clarified butter and seeds are offered to her. Figures of Gods may also be drawn in ashes as an indication, to these Gods, of the place where their presence is required. 


- A **[fetish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fetish)** is a special kind of object to which supernatural powers are ascribed in some societies. It is believed to be the temporary abode of supernatural powers or spirits. Among the [Ashanti of Ghana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashanti_people) a fetish may consist of the horn of an antelope, bones of animals, wooden objects, and so forth. A fetish also contains various ingredients by means of which a spirit is induced to dwell in it and its potency is evoked. These ingredients may include parts of plants, but also parts of animals such as teeth, pieces of skin, strands of hair, and claws.

Fetishes may be used for various purposes such as protection against [witchcraft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witchcraft), witch finding, or success in war. They can be used for offensive as well as defensive purposes. 



- **[Medicines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicine)**: People's views about substances used as medicines often include the belief that these substances have supernatural properties. In such cases, the effectiveness of the medicines is ascribed to some symbolic association between the medicine and the purpose for which it is used. 

<div class="pull-left"><center><img src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/10/30/23/38/occult-1784604_960_720.jpg" /><br/><em><a href="">Source: Pixabay</a></em></center></div>

- **[Charms, talismans or amulets](https://www.witchcraftandwitches.com/terms_amulet.html)**: These are objects that are used for protection against misfortune and for securing strength, health and good fortune. They may be worn on the body, or placed in various positions where their influence is needed. For example, inside or under houses, under a threshold, or in gardens and fields. 

- **[Spells](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spell_(paranormal))**: In the same way that supernatural powers are believed to be present in particular objects, they may also be associated with words and actions. The term "spell" is used to describe a series of words that are recited or sung and which is believed to be capable of achieving a desired end. The uttering of a person's name may form part of a spell. In some communities, a name is not only a designation, but is also representative of the person or the entity itself. Uttering a person's name can thus be used to harm or to obtain power over the person, which is why names may sometimes not be uttered and have to be substituted by other names or descriptive terms. 

- **[Simulation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simulation)**: This refers to the symbolic performance of behaviour and gestures that represent a desired occurence (ie in an attempt to make the occurrence a reality). The [Arunta of Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arrernte_people) believe that a certain descent group is capable of increasing the supply of a specific larvae considered to be a valuable food source. The simulation is enacted in a ceremony where the dancers, with their bodies painted white, imitate the movements of the new-born insect.

<hr>

## **Mana and related concepts**

<div class="pull-center"><center><img src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2017/07/09/09/45/woman-2486528_960_720.jpg" /><br/><em><a href="">Source: Pixabay</a></em></center></div>

<div class="pull-right"><center><img src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2017/05/29/19/13/fire-and-water-2354583_960_720.jpg" /><br/><em><a href="">Source: Pixabay</a></em></center></div>

The anthropologist [RR Marrett](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Robert-R-Marett) used the concept "animation" to describe the belief that the world is inhabited by impersonal powers which work in living beings as well as in non-living objects. The best-known example of animation is the [concept of mana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mana
), which occurs among [Melanesian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melanesians) and [Polynesian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polynesians) people. There it refers to an impersonal power, associated especially with chiefs, but also with other people and strange or unusual objects. Similar beliefs occur throughout the world. Although there are vernacular terms for this power in all communities where this belief occurs, the Melanesian and Polynesian concept mana is widely used by anthropologists to describe it. 

Although mana is believed to reside in persons, they do not possess it in equal amounts. Rulers and nobility are believed to possess more mana than ordinary people, and men have more mana than women. Those who possess the most mana are considered to be dangerous and should consequently be avoided. On the other hand, people may increase their mana in various ways, especially by performing certain rituals.

Possession of mana is believed to be indicated by success or skill, and the victory of a warrior or the skill of a craftsman is ascribed to the mana they possess.

As stated above, certain objects may also contain mana, particularly objects that are found to be powerful (eg a weapon that kills an enemy or a hunting weapon).

Although mana is in itself believed to be neither good nor evil, it can be used for good or evil purposes. A person with mana therefore know how to use this power, otherwise it may prove to be harmful to him (or her) and to others. It must be treated with respect and the persons and objects believed to contain mana must be avoided. Mana is thus closely associated with the concept of taboo. 

<hr>

## **Independent dangerous powers**

<div class="pull-center"><center><img src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2018/01/09/20/37/fantasy-3072461_960_720.jpg" /><br/><em><a href="">Source: Pixabay</a></em></center></div>

<div class="pull-left"><center><img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/1d/7d/a3/1d7da3ed2df9a5d8c1c2e8c9b5fd9f21.jpg" /><br/><em><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/1d/7d/a3/1d7da3ed2df9a5d8c1c2e8c9b5fd9f21.jpg">Xhosa Girl</a></em></center></div>

Certain conditions and events are associated with dangerous powers (eg menstruation, childbirth and death). In many communities these conditions and events are associated with ritual impurity and are considered to be possible sources of pollution. For this reason, people who are in such a condition or involved with such an event must be avoided for some stipulated period of time. 

Among the [Xhosa-speaking Gcaleka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gcaleka) of the Eastern Cape, for example certain forms of ritual impurity are described as *umlaza*. ***[Umlaza](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umlazi)*** is dangerous for the community, for livestock (except pigs and fowls), and for lands and medicines. A person has umlaza after sexual intercourse and also after touching meat, especially fatty meat. A woman has umlaza during menstruation and after a miscarriage, in which case it is said that she leaves a track (umkhondo) that must not be crossed by animals lest they become ill. Umlaza may be removed by washing the hands or the body with water. 

In view of its potential danger, a number of precautions or avoidance rules must be observed by anyone having umlaza. Thus, for example, a man with umlaza must not milk the cows, handle medicines, enter the initiation hut, or come near the crops in the garden. Likewise, a female in this condition must not enter the cattle kraal, or touch anything connected with cattle (eg milk or milk calabashes), and nor may she decorate herself with traditional [Xhosa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xhosa_people
) red ochre. 


***The end of Part 4....***

***Thank you for reading.***

*Images are linked to their sources in their description and references are stated below.*

**Authors and Text Titles**
Olivier 1976: Die religious van die Gcaleka
Wessels 1984: Tamil-hindoes 
Beattie 1964: Other Cultures
Robert Redfield: The primitive world view
CR Ember 2005 : Anthropology 11th Edition  
WA Haviland 2008: Anthropology: The Human Challenge 12th Edition
BA Pauw 1970: Religion and magic
AFC Wallace 1966: Religion: An anthropological view
Thank you @rocking-dave for the SteemStem gif

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