Witchcraft, Grief, and the Ambivalence of Emotions

摘要: Anthropology's relationship to psychoanalysis is vastly different today from what it was more than 80 years ago when Sigmund Freud published his ideas on the ambivalence of emotions in Totem and Taboo. Now there an abundance detailed ethnographies owing little or nothing psychoanalytic theory a great deal conviction that each culture unique entity must be understood within its own terms reference. Anthropologists are now as never before position use ethnographic record reassess insights cross-cultural perspective. I hope discussion follows will contribute stimulating such endeavor. In this article, suggest psychoanalytically based theories Melanie Klein shed new light old anthropological topic: sorcery witchcraft. The article emerges my effort produce comparative account two very cultural belief systems: Mekeo Balinese My original intent undertaking comparison not confirm any particular theory. relevance Klein's work something suggested me by nature data itself. Indeed field at time, had only passing acquaintance with work; anthropologists do often draw her although have been influential clinical practice (McGlashan Hoffman 1995). As proceeded comparison, however, reminded similarities some third element, namely concerning persecutory fears evoked initial stages grief mourning. At point, decided should go back read carefully examples. This result rereading. examined alongside data, intrigued find how closely fit, just general processes involved, but precise details symbolism. It seemed examples, distinctly they were other, nevertheless could seen variations upon fantasy themes described independently patients. psychoanalyst, assumed unconscious she observed patients' mourning universal. Cultural likely jump conclusion quickly, yet even admit image witch seems persuasive constancy cross-culturally (Needham 1978). Furthermore, view recent debates argue can witchcraft sorcery. Beginning sociocentric analyses witchcraft, linking these beliefs experiential context bereavement, focus case studies-Balinese extend Freud's concept order show unresolved childhood images destructive mother give rise death loved person. From perspective, several problems left hanging structuralist approaches answered ways. [ambivalence, grief, Klein,