Research Catalog

The malevolent eye : an essay on the evil eye, fertility, and the concept of mana / Pierre Bettez Gravel.

Title
The malevolent eye : an essay on the evil eye, fertility, and the concept of mana / Pierre Bettez Gravel.
Author
Gravel, Pierre Bettez.
Publication
New York : P. Lang, c1995.

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Description
xxxv, 188 p. : ill.; 23 cm.
Summary
The Evil Eye is one of the most wide-ranging systems of beliefs in the world and in history. It is more widespread than the belief in one God. Yet it is misunderstood and remains rather puzzling and mysterious. An explanation of its origins is given here by focusing on the meaning of the eye-as-symbol rather than on defining the Evil Eye as a problem of vision and gaze. As symbol, it is presumed to have its roots in pervasive fertility rituals dating back to prehistory. The very idea of fertility is the beginning and the end of survival in all subsistence societies. This pervasive obsession with production and reproduction, not only characterized prehistory and the preindustrial world, but has persisted with important modifications, into the world of money markets, while at the same time retaining the ancient symbols. The eye is one such symbol.
Series Statement
American university studies. Series XI, Anthropology and sociology ; vol. 64
Uniform Title
American university studies. Series XI, Anthropology/sociology ; vol. 64.
Subject
  • Evil eye
  • Mana
  • Fertility cults
Bibliography (note)
  • Includes bibliographical references.
Processing Action (note)
  • committed to retain
Contents
The evil eye -- Distribution -- The evil eye in literature and scholarship -- A new look at the evil eye -- The world of mana and the evil eye -- Looking for mana: applications -- Symbols -- The principle of duality in life symbols -- The parturient woman -- The Sheela-na-gigs -- The eye as a symbol -- On the endurance and tenacity of fertility rituals -- Other significant symbols -- On the great abundance of fertility symbols -- Conclusion.
ISBN
0820422754 (alk. paper)
LCCN
^^^94037744^
OCLC
  • 31167447
  • SCSB-10279701
Owning Institutions
Harvard Library