More than an ethnography; this book clarifies one of the most important current debates in anthropology: How should anthropologists regard culture; history; and the power process?Since the 1980s; the Thakali of Nepal have searched for an identity and a clarification of their "true" culture and history in the wake of their rise to political power and achievement of economic success. Although united in this search; the Thakali are divided as to the answers that have been proposed: the "Hinduization" of religious practices; the promotion of Tibetan Buddhism; the revival of practices associated with the Thakali shamans; and secularization. Ironically; the attempts by the Thakali to define their identity reveal that to return to tradition they must first re-create it―but this process of re-creation establishes it in a way in which it has never existed. To return to "tradition"―to become Thakali again―is; in a way; to become Thakali for the very first time.
#522810 in Books Baker Emerson W 2010-04-15 2010-04-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .58 x 5.50l; .75 #File Name: 0230623875256 pagesThe Devil of Great Island Witchcraft and Conflict in Early New England
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. History Buffs/Amateur Genealogists; Rejoice! Fascinating Stuff...By C. D.Anyone even remotely interested in early New Hampshire history; genealogy; New England witch trials; or anyone with ancestors from coastal New Hampshire must read The Devil of Great Island; by Prof. Emerson Baker; PhD; of Salem State College. (No; I'm not related to him - that I know of; anyway - nor do I own stock in the publisher; sadly...) I was quite pleasantly surprised to read a historian's account of 17th century life that was not bland and boring. Dr. Baker mentions at least 8 people that I am related to...anyone with deep and early New Hampshire roots probably will encounter an ancestor in this book! More importantly; Dr. Baker strips away the hype of the Salem witch trials and the subsequent accusations of witchcraft elsewhere in New England; most notably on Great Island (later New Castle); New Hampshire; and systematically explains the reason behind the accusations. He also describes the major players; and even finds the likely culprits behind the mischief. For anyone who doesn't know; Jane (Guy?) Walford; (my many-times-great grandmother) of Great Island was accused of witchcraft; initially in 1648. She fought the allegations for 21 years! During that time; not only was she exonerated; but she actually counter-sued for slander and won...the first and only such case in recorded history. She and her husband; Thomas Walford; had successfully taken on a number of life-altering challenges; such as their being the first European settlers of Charlestown; MA; defiance of the formidable Puritan establishment in that colony; and another pioneering move to New Hampshire. (Their character may help explain some of my own family's stubbornness!) In the end; Dr. Baker explains in detail not only WHAT happened during the now-famous "Lithobolia" (stone-throwing devil incident of 1682) on Great Island; but WHY it happened; and WHO probably did it. Along the way he mentions my relatives (and possibly yours) including the Amazeen; Brookings; Shapleigh; and Walford families. Of course; many; many more local families were involved and are included. Of all the books I have read so far about the incident and local history (which number in the dozens); I must say this one is my favorite; I guess because it is more lively and descriptive. A simple web search of the book name and author will provide anybody interested in lots more information about the book and how to find it. As a side-note; I realized not long ago that a former colleague at work is a direct descendant of Jane Walford's accusers Elizabeth and Nicholas Rowe. Although he and I got along just fine; most of my other peers avoided him quite vigorously due to his "contrary" nature! Very interesting...0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy JPCFun read. Author does a very good job of making the topic readable. Enjoyed it very much.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Lithobilia!By CustomerGood; interesting read if you like New England witch stories.
