The Interpretation of Ritual: A Study of Chinese Animal Symbolism

FAIN: FA-11096-75

Emily M. Ahern
Yale University (New Haven, CT 06510-1703)

To research and write a monograph focused on a case study of a Taiwanese festival in which animal symbolism is particularly rich. The study will go beyond the ethnographic case and will be directed principally toward certain theoretical problems in the study of ritual. Some of the theoretical anthropological issues the study will deal with are: can one justify the usual anthropological view that classification (of animals) is systematic and governed by clear rules? How can we best describe people's intentions in performing magical or ritual acts? On what grounds can we say that ritual or magical acts are rational or irrational?