Magical literacy: Encountering a witch's book in Ecuador

Journal/Book: Anthropol Quart. 1998; 71: 620 Michigan Avenue NE Admin Bldg Room 303, Washington, DC 20064, USA. Catholic Univ Amer Press. 186-202.

Abstract: Contributing to previous studies of literacy, witchcraft, and domination, this article argues that indigenous beliefs in magical literacy partly derive from actual experiences with writing; that is, in addition to symbolizing and critically commenting on dominant power, these beliefs are literally about literacy. Such a focus on actual experience with writing provides a fuller picture of indigenous reactions to literacy and power, particularly state and church power The ethnographic focus is an Andean indigenous group's beliefs in witchcraft done through a book of names; the author also describes his own experience in finding his name in the witch's book.

Note: Article Wogan P, MIT, Cambridge,MA 02139 USA

Keyword(s): literacy; witchcraft; domination; Salasaca; Ecuador

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