2024
Volume 20, Number 2
A new interpretation of the “mushroom madness” of New Guinea
Bimin-Kuskusmin, China, ethnomycology, hallucinogenic mushrooms, Kuma, mushroom madness, New Guinea, YunnanBy: GIORGIO SAMORINI – Among the ethnographic data concerning psychoactive mushrooms, the most enigmatic case is that of “mushroom madness”, a bizarre behaviour that periodically affected a part of the Kuma population and other ethnic groups of eastern New Guinea, and which according to the natives was due to the consumption of certain species of…
Studies on the iboga cults. III. Iboga and Bwiti mythology
By: GIORGIO SAMORINI – In this third contribution to the study of the cults of the hallucinogenic plant of iboga of Equatorial Africa, the themes concerning the mythical origins of the plant and of Bwiti—the religious cult that uses iboga as a visionary agent—are presented and analysed. Distinction is made between the mythological themes of…
Seven Mid-Archaic Age Stone Axe Venerations: The Intersection of Form and Function together with Native Copper and the Adornment of Select Locations on the Cultural Landscape in Southeastern Wisconsin
By: HERMAN BENDER – A curious discovery during the comprehensive WEPCO cultural landscape survey (1995) in southeastern Wisconsin was the number of remarkable, isolated and lone stone axes discovered while plowing and disking fields. No other artifacts were discovered with them. Each axe, it appeared, had been purposely placed in order to mark a select…
Chunkey: A deadly sport for heroes and the spread of corn culture across North America
Birdman, Braden-style statuettes, Cahokia, Choctaw, chunkey, HoChunk/Winnebago, pole-and-ring-games, Red HornBy: SANDRA BUSATTA – The game of chunkey, believed to have originated at Cahokia, the preeminent ceremonial center in North America, may have been a variant of the “pole and ring” games. It was likely adopted by the Cahokian elite for funerary events, rituals tied to corn cultivation, and bore mythological significance in the Red…
Nuove considerazioni sull’effettiva natura della cittadinanza romana di Arminio sulla base dell’epigrafe volterrana AE 1982, 0352 / New considerations on the actual nature of the Roman citizenship of Arminius based on the Volterra epigraph AE 1982, 0352
adoption, adozione, Arminio, Arminius, Augusto, Augustus, Caecina, Cecina, cittadinanza romana, Germania, Germany, Roman citizenship, Teutoburg, Teutoburgo, VolterraBy: MARCO CECINI – La storiografia tradizionalmente tende ad attribuire la civitas romana di Arminio esplicitata dalle fonti antiche a un beneficio personale maturato, viritim, per le sue imprese di guerra durante la militanza nell’esercito romano in qualità di comandante di cavalleria. Senza negare la possibilità che tali benemerenze particolari fossero accordate, anche in epoca…
Manitoba’s Ancient Heritage: An Owerview of a Number of Rare Native American Artifacts in some European Museums
By: RUSLAN YENDRZHIYEVSKYY – The purpose of this work is to provide a detailed description of several ancient Native American artifacts and to present information that may shed light on their tribal affiliation and history. We are talking about a pair of leggings from the Cambridge University Museum of Archeology and Anthropology, a single painted…
A Study on Emotional Intelligence as an Arbitrator for Academic Anxiety among Rural and Urban Adolescents
By: IRSHAD KHAN, SALONI PANDA – Competition is an integral part of student life, often placing heavy pressure on students to excel, which can lead to academic anxiety. Cognitive intelligence alone does not guarantee academic success; emotional intelligence plays a key role in stress management. This research examines emotional intelligence as a buffer against academic…
An ethno-archaeological study of Shamanic Oddities from the Neolithic culture of South India reveals changes in folk rituals, particularly in the practices of Theyyam and Odiyan transformation
By: JITHU DHANIAN D. C., JISHA V. G. – Human migration, along with advancements in thought and discoveries, led to the formation of widespread beliefs and myths within belief systems. In the South Indian peninsula, regions along the Western Ghats have shown shamanistic traits since the Neolithic era. Our ancestors’ cleansing mindset gave rise to…
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices towards COVID-19 among the residents of Uttar Pradesh
By: BABITA GUPTA, KETAKI CHANDIOK – The abrupt emergence and swift escalation of COVID-19 presented global challenges. Initially, with treatments proving ineffective, preventive measures became the primary reliance. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) were pivotal in this context. This study evaluated the KAP regarding COVID-19 among Uttar Pradesh’s residents, aged 12 to 67, in India’s…
Childhood Undernutrition and Nutrition Related Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) of Primary Caregivers/Parents
Attitudes, Caregiver practices, KAP (Knowledge, Nutrition knowledge, Nutritional Status, Practices), Primary caregiversBy: PRERITA DOBHAL, KETAKI CHANDIOK – Childhood undernutrition remains a pressing public health concern in India, even amidst considerable economic advancements. The present study delves into the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of primary caregivers concerning nutrition and its influence on childhood undernutrition. Comprehending these elements is crucial for crafting effective interventions aimed at enhancing…
Medical Anthropology: Its Emergence in Mental Health Sciences
By: RAVINDER SINGH – This paper highlights the significance of medical anthropology in the realm of mental health sciences and the understanding of the various dimensions of social life. It sheds light on how anthropological cultural studies provide a complementary perspective on the way emotional and behavioral issues can lead to psychiatric conditions. These disorders,…
Anthropometric and Body Composition variations among Pre-and Post- menarche school girls
By: SUTAPA BHOWMIK, ARGINA KHATUN – The adolescent phase is marked by psychological and hormonal changes, accompanied by physical and cognitive development, which every girl experiences. During this phase, menarche begins, influenced by factors such as nutrition, per capita income, body composition, and genetics. A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out from March to October…
A Study on the Variations in Linear Body Segments by Sex and Age Among Bengali Adolescents from Darjeeling, West Bengal, India
Bengali Adolescents, Sitting height, Sub-ischial leg length, Sub-ischial leg length percentage, Upper trunk length percentageBy: MAMPI DEBNATH, ARGINA KHATUN – Sitting height, sub-ischial leg length, and the sitting height/leg length ratio are useful for assessing body proportions and identifying abnormal growth patterns in individuals. This study aimed to examine age and sex variations in linear body measurements among Bengali adolescents. The cross-sectional study involved 402 Bengali adolescents from the…
Undernutrition and Socio-economic Status: A Cross-sectional Study among Rural Muslim Preschool Children of Purulia-II CD Block in Purulia District, West Bengal, India
By: SK ANAMUL HOQUE, SUMANA DAS, SHAGUFTA NAAZ, MAHFUJ ANSARY, MD ANISUJJAMAN – Child undernutrition is a critical public health emergency in developing nations, including India. Undernourished children suffer from reduced IQ, stunted growth, and increased morbidity and mortality. This study investigates the link between socio-economic status and undernutrition among rural Muslim preschoolers in Purulia-II…
Structure, Change and Continuity of Culture of Indian Civilization: An Anthropological Reappraisa
By: ARUN MAKAL, ABHRADIP BANERJEE, KRISHNENDU POLLEY – Civilization encompasses a complex tapestry of traditions, both grand and modest, including tribal, rural, and urban cultures. Early civilizations, such as those in ancient Egypt, the Aegean, and China, flourished in fertile river valleys conducive to agriculture. Similarly, Indian civilization saw the rise of settlements around the…
Neoliberalism and the Role of Teachers: Daily Experiences of Private Primary and Pre-primary School Teachers in Kolkata Metropolis
By: CHHANDITA BASU – The study investigates the impact of neoliberal policies on education, focusing on the commodification of teaching. It examines how teachers’ roles are defined by an accountability framework, with their performance measured against fixed standards. This often results in a rigid control over children’s learning outcomes. The research aims to explore diverse…
The Struggle for Self-Determination of Indigenous Peoples: An Ethnographic Analysis in Assam, India, with Special Emphasis on the Bodo Community’s Experience
By: MANEK NARZARY, LEON MILLER – The forces that have shaped civilization and history have often been harsh to indigenous peoples, placing their cultures under immense strain, presenting disruptive challenges, and threatening their very survival. As a result, indigenous communities find themselves battling to preserve their way of life, integrity, identity, and existence against external…
The implementation of Bal Sansad and developmental changes in a tribal village in Jharkhand: Insights from a longitudinal ethnographic study
By: MIR AZAD KALAM, SAPTAMITA PAL – This study presents a longitudinal ethnographic analysis of the Bal Sansad (Children’s Parliament) implementation and its influence on the educational and moral growth in a Jharkhand tribal village. It delves into the dynamics of educational programs designed to elevate tribal communities, with a focus on the Dhatkidih village…
Exploring Blood Group Variability in the Gadia Lohar Community of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
By: POOJA SAH, UDAI PRATAP SINGH – India’s diverse population includes 1,235 Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-nomadic communities, with Uttar Pradesh alone home to 18 Nomadic and 31 Denotified groups. Despite extensive research on ABO and Rh blood group distributions among India’s tribal and non-tribal populations, studies focusing on Denotified and Nomadic communities, such as Uttar…
The Miraculous Feminine Within Islamic Mysticism
By: TARA SHEEMAR, KHURSHID ALAM – This paper explores the pivotal role of women in Islamic mysticism and their presence in the urban landscape of modern Islamic practice. Drawing from fieldwork conducted between October 2018 and May 2022 at various Sufi tomb-shrines affiliated with the Chisti order, it investigates the reverence of women who have…
Indigenous Knowledge Among Tribal Farmers in Chhattisgarh, India: A Comparative Analysis
By: HARSHDEEP SINGH DHANJAL, K.K.N. SHARMA – India hosts approximately 10.4 million tribal individuals, accounting for 8.6 percent of its total population. These tribes, living in close harmony with nature, have developed significant indigenous practices and technologies to utilize the extensive resources available in their regions, along with related bio-cultural knowledge. India has nurtured a…
Religious Beliefs Related to Diseases Occurring in Children of Hill Korwa Tribe
By: NARENDRA BAXLA – The Hill Korwa tribe, categorized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTGs) by the Central and State Governments, resides in dense forests where health facilities are scarce. This lack of healthcare leads to numerous challenges. To address these, the Hill Korwa have traditionally relied on indigenous treatment methods. The research discussed…
Insights into the genetic makeup from the distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups in the Juang tribe of Odisha
By: NIKITA NAHAK, SOUMYA RANJAN NAYAK, PRIYANKA KHURANA – The ABO and Rh blood group systems are crucial for transfusion medicine, organ transplantation, and genetic research. Studying these blood groups across various populations aids in deciphering genetic diversity and evolutionary patterns. This study focused on the ABO and Rh blood group distribution in the Juang…
The dual burden of malnutrition among the Bodo women of North- Guwahati, Assam
By: ALINA AHMED – This study evaluates the nutritional status of Bodo women in North Guwahati, Kamrup (Rural) district, Assam, and compares it with the nutritional status of other tribal women across India to determine which group has a higher prevalence of malnutrition. The assessment is based on Body Mass Index (BMI). The findings reveal…
The Changing Nature of Modern Journalism and Artificial Intelligence (From 2020 to 2024)
By: SHAIK MOHAMMAD SHAMEER – Journalism has undergone significant changes. Technological advancements have simplified reporting, and concepts such as pop-up journalism and mobile journalism have become prominent. Immersive journalism, utilizing artificial and virtual intelligence, attracts the public with its content. Meanwhile, the role of the public editor is diminishing. Newsrooms are grappling with declining trust,…
An Essay on “Structure and Function in Primitive Society” of A.R. Brown
By: MANDRITA SARKAR, CHINMAY BISWAS, ABHIJIT DAS – We have attempted to write an essay on Radcliffe-Brown’s renowned book “Structure and Function in Primitive Society” in light of contemporary perspectives. This book is fundamental to the discipline of social anthropology. Scholars keen on pursuing anthropology or social anthropology cannot acquire proper knowledge without it. A.R.…
Customary Laws and Gender Dynamics: Exploring the Challenges Faced by Single Mothers in Mizo Society
By: ZOHMANGAIHI RALTE – Customary laws, deeply ingrained in tradition and cultural practices, significantly influence societal norms, governance, and gender dynamics. This paper delves into the nexus of customary laws and gender roles, underscoring how these laws both contribute to gender disparities and act as cornerstones of social unity. In Mizo society, while customary laws…































