Witchcraft, Oracles and Magic Among the Azande

Descriere

The history of anthropology is, to a large extent, the history of differing modes of interpretation. Evans-Pritchard sought to challenge such definitions by embedding himself within a tribal culture in Africa - that of the Azande - and attempting to understand their beliefs in their proper contexts. By doing so, Evans-Pritchard proved just how vital context is to interpretation. Seen within their context, he was able to show, the beliefs of the Azande were far from irrational - and magic actually formed a coherent system that helped mould a functional community and society for the tribe. Evans-Pritchard's efforts to clarify meaning in this way have proved hugely influential, and have played a major part in guiding later generations of anthropologists from his day to ours.