More Specific Ritual Classification

• Technological Rituals– Hunting & Gathering Rites of Intensification– Protective Rituals

• Therapy Rituals– Ethnobotany, Anti-Therapy Rituals

• Ideological Rituals– Rites of Passage

• Coming-of-Age Rituals

• Alterations of the Human Body– Tattooing and Piercing– Other Modifications– Genital Alterations

• Salvation Rituals• Revitalization Rituals• Pilgrimages

– The Huichol Pilgrimage

Technological Rituals Rituals that attempt to influence/control nature

Technological Rituals Rituals that attempt to influence/control nature

• Hunting and Gathering Rites of Intensification– Ex: Inuit seal hunt

• Placing fresh water into the mouth of the deceased seal would mollify its spirit and might encourage its return (reincarnation), thereby providing additional resources. Seals have souls and are part of a creation myth involving the Mother of the Sea (Sedna).

Technological Rituals Rituals that attempt to influence/control nature

• Protective Rituals: Performed in anticipation of dangerous activities or in response to threats.– Ex: Making boats

seaworthy

Therapy Rituals• Meant to cure/rehabilitate

upon accident/illness– Ex: Traditional, plant-derived

medicines and ethnobotany: Anthropologically based study of plants, especially in healing.

– Ex: Sekhmet and the destruction of Humanity• Offerings to Sekhmet if

hurt/sick (a type of Crisis/Situational Ritual)