Ainu illness and healing

A Symbolic Interpretation

Bibliographic Data

ID2465169
AuthorsEmiko Ohnuki‐tierney (University of Wisconsin–Madison, corresponding author)
Year1980
Volume7
Issue1
Pages132-151
Publication date1980-02-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAmerican Ethnologist (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0094-0496 • E-ISSN: 1548-1425
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1525/ae.1980.7.1.02a00080
OpenAlexW2094934188
LanguageEN
Citations received21
References cited31

Ainu "metaphysical illnesses" are characterized by the presence of spiritual beings such as demons or deities in illness causation or aggravation, or as a source of curing power. This paper offers a symbolic interpretation of Ainu metaphysical illnesses by reference to the basic cognitive structure of Ainu medical epistemology, which is founded upon sacred-profane dyads within a "social network" of cosmic organization. Pathogenic demons represent intrinsic, anarchic, and permanent structural anomalies. They contrast with extrinsic, creative, temporary cosmic disjunctions of the universe, which also cause illnesses. Anarchic anomalies of demons are differentiated from creative anomalies of mediation symbols, as embodied in the shaman's spirits. The power to counterattack structural anomalies (and to cure patients) derives from symbolism of the profane, which is tapped by nonformalized power of shamans and women in Ainu society. [symbolic anthropology, anomaly and mediation, ethnomedicine, women, Ainu

Aesthetics · Causation · Embodied cognition · Epistemology · Interpretation (philosophy · Linguistics · Mediation · Metaphysics · Power (physics · Psychoanalysis · Shamanism · Social science · Sociology · The Symbolic · Theology · Anthropological Studies and Insights · Culinary Culture and Tourism · Indigenous Studies and Ecology · Philosophy · Psychology

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