The Archetypal Actions of Ritual: A Theory of Ritual Illustrated by the Jain Rite of Worship (Oxford Studies in Social and Cultural Anthropology) [Paperback]

Caroline Humphrey (Author), James Laidlaw (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 24, 1994 | Series: Oxford Studies in Social and Cultural Anthropology

Humphrey and Laidlaw present a new and radical general theory of ritual by drawing on an ethnographically rich account of the ritual worship of the Jains of western India. Ritual, they argue, is not a logically separate type of activity, but rather a quality that can be attributed to a wide range of everyday activities. In exploring the issue of what is distinctive about actions which are ritualized, this book makes an ambitious and controversial contribution to social and religious anthropology.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is an exceptionally fine book - certainly the most important work on ritual I have read in a decade."--istory of Religions

About the Author

Caroline Humphrey is at King's College, Cambridge. James Laidlaw is at King's College, Cambridge.

Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (November 24, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198279477
• ISBN-13: 978-0198279471
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,802,441 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #55 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Eastern Religions > Jainism

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