Student Solution

-->

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”
– Nelson Mandela

1 University

1 Course

1 Subject

Module 4 - Discussion_ Introduction to Anthropology

Module 4 - Discussion_ Introduction to Anthropology

Q In Chapter 10, you were introduced to the anthropological study of religion. One of the first anthropologists to examine religion in Africa was Edward Evans-Pritchard in the early 1900's. You will explore what he learned about the Azande by watching the first 23 minutes of "Strange Beliefs: Sir Edward Evans-Pritchard". Instructions: When you are done watching the video, answer the following questions by referring to specific information from the video, NOT outside sources: 1. How do the Azande people featured in the film explain unfortunate events? What do they do about these events? 2. What is the concept of religion for the Azande? What types of religious practices do the Azande use? 3. Do you think that Azande beliefs are anymore or less rational than other religious beliefs like Judaism, Christianity, Islam, or Buddhism? Provide examples to the beliefs for these four (4) major world religions.

View Related Questions

Solution Preview

The Azande tribe were based in Sudan and lived a nomadic life with belief for witchcraft, magic, and oracles. To them, it was all witchcraft that brought misfortune for them and to deal with it they would ask suggestions of the oracles and get cured by the witch doctors so that they could be again lead normal, healthy, and happy lives. For the people of Azande, it was witchcraft and its ways that were both religion and a way of living for them. The oracles, which were the agents of witchcraft and brought them knowledge about what misfortunes were looming large, would be contacted and it was through these rituals o connecting with the oracles that helped understand the people and their beliefs.