ENCOUNTER WITH NEUROBIOLOGY: THE RESPONSE OF RITUAL STUDIES
Edith L. B. Turner
June 1, 1986 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9744.1986.tb00744.x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that anthropological study of ritual and symbol should incorporate knowledge of brain function, proposing that neocortical hemisphere interplay can be inferred from shifting styles across ritual stages. Suggests archetypes may underlie general ritual processes such as self-healing social dramas, and that "preparedness" as a genetic brain endowment confirms the importance of image making, while shamanic inhibition and disinhibition release latent religious powers. |
Abstract
Abstract. Knowledge of the working of the brain is of prime importance to anthropologists studying ritual and symbol. The play between the neocortical hemispheres can be inferred from the varying styles at different stages of ritual: one can begin to hypothesize archetypes for general processes such as self-healing social dramas that are at the roots of ritual: the concept of preparedness as a genetic endowment residing in the brain appears to confirm the fundamental importance of image making; while the shamanic skills of inhibition and disinhibition, releasing latent religious powers, can be grasped for what they are.