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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Myth, Ritual and the Authority of Elders in an Ethiopian Society |
Author: | Hamer, John H. |
Year: | 1976 |
Periodical: | Africa: Journal of the International African Institute |
Volume: | 46 |
Issue: | 4 |
Pages: | 327-339 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Ethiopia |
Subjects: | Sidamo acephalous society ancestor worship Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) |
External links: | https://www.jstor.org/stable/1159297 https://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&res_dat=xri:pao:&rft_dat=xri:pao:article:4011-1976-046-00-000032 |
Abstract: | Discusses the mythological and ritual sequences honouring dead elders among two of the most esteemed descent segments of the Sadama of South-west Ethiopia. After a description of the religious and ritual systems, the author offers an explanation regarding the persistence of both under changing conditions. Sections: the Abo myth - ritual officials and genealogical connections - ritual - nexus between myth and ritual - change. Conclusion: although in recent decades there have been important changes in life style, the myth and ritual provide a sense of security which lends continuity to the identity of the people and provides a charter for gerontocratic authority. Fig., notes, ref., résumé en français. |