Sorcery on Ifaluk

Atoll, Ulithi; Lessa, William A. (August 1961). "Sorcery on Ifaluk". American Anthropologist. 63 (4): 817–820. doi:10.1525/aa.1961.63.4.02a00080. ISSN 0002-7294.

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Abstract: The article “Sorcery on Ifaluk” by William A. Lessa explores the presence of sorcery in the small Micronesian atoll of Ifaluk, challenging the earlier findings of Edwin G. Burrows and Melford E. Spiro, who had reported its absence. Lessa presents various accounts gathered during his fieldwork in Ulithi Atoll, close geographically and culturally to Ifaluk, to argue against Burrows and Spiro’s conclusions. Despite not having visited Ifaluk directly, Lessa relies on informants who claim experiences and knowledge about Ifaluk. Key informants like Melchethal provide stories indicating that sorcery indeed exists on Ifaluk, sharing specific incidents involving sorcery and detailing cultural beliefs, such as the transmission of magical rituals from parent to child and the consequences faced by sorcerers. Lessa discusses cultural changes on the atoll, including Christian influences aiming to reduce black magic practices. The article also raises questions about the implications of these findings for understanding social dynamics on Ifaluk, particularly in relation to Spiro’s theory about the psychological roles of spirits in expressing hostility. Lessa suggests that further research could expand on these findings, indicating the ongoing changes in indigenous practices due to external influences.

Extra details:

MAG: 2045582437
OpenAlex: W2045582437
CorpusID: 162329939