2025
Volume 21, Number 1
On the ancient Mexican names of the hallucinogenic plants of the genus Solandra
Bernardino de Sahagún, cacahuaxóchitl, ethnobotany, Francisco Hernández, Mexico, Nahuatl, poyomatli, tecomaxóchitlBy: GIORGIO SAMORINI – Ethnographic evidence of the current use of plants of the genus Solandra as visionary agents among some Mexican ethnic groups leads to a reconsideration of these plants as possibly known and used for a long time by native populations and to a search for their traces in the precolonial past. One…
A Bison Effigy Stones in Southeastern Wisconsin Update: Cupules, Seeing the Light of Day and the Twins
By: HERMAN BENDER – – In this article, an update on the comprehensive and ground-breaking article Bison Effigy Stones in Southeastern Wisconsin published in 2013, three additional bison or buffalo effigy stones are described. All three exhibit attributes consistent with those first described in 2013. Two are located at the (former) Kolterman Mounds and Petroform…
Ishtaboli (Choctaw stickball)
Choctaw, Ishtaboli, iti fabvssa (goal post), kapucha (stickball stick), Mississippi, Oklahoma, stickball, towa (ball)By: SANDRA BUSATTA – Stickball is more than a mere game for the Choctaw; is a tradition imbued with religious significance. As Choctaw filmaker Mark Williams (July 23, 2021) said on Facebook, “This is more than just a game to the Choctaw people. It’s an identity.” The crafting of the sticks symbolizes respect for their…
Privatizzazione-personalizzazione della magia. Il Terziario esoterico italiano come commercializzazione del sacro
consumerism, consumismo, lavoratori dell’occulto, magia, magic, occult workers, personalization, personalizzazione, privatization, privatizzazioneBy: GABRIELE BUX – Italy is a country where the interest in the occult and magic is both culturally rooted and commercially widespread. This article highlights the main dynamics of esoteric market focusing on so-called occult workers or esoteric professionals. We will argue that 1) esoteric pratices are used by individuals as tools to control…
Studies on the iboga cults. IV. The ethnobotanical complex
By: GIORGIO SAMORINI – In this contribution on the cults of the hallucinogenic plant iboga of equatorial Africa, a definition of ‘ethnobotanical complex’ associated with the ritual use of a visionary plant is first given. The main intoxicant sources that revolve around the cults of iboga, specifically the religious cult of Bwiti, are then presented.…
Studies on the iboga cults. V. Historical aspects
bwiti, Colonialism, Equatorial Guinea, ethnohistory, Fang, gabon, hallucinogenic plants, Mitsogho, persecutions, PygmiesBy: GIORGIO SAMORINI – The problem of the origins of the human relationship with the hallucinogenic plant of iboga, and the real or mythical involvement of the Pygmies in the discovery of its intoxicant properties is discussed. The traditional use of iboga in equatorial Africa is framed within the general systematisation of the purposes of…
Valentina: Buried in the Unknown, but Yet Still Alive in Our Memory
By: FRANCO VIVIANI – In the tradition of Renato Rosaldo, an anthropologist who underscored the significance of emotions and subjectivity in research and the narrative dimension of analysis, as exemplified by his seminal study of the Ilongot people of the Philippines, the author retraces his journey, both physical and emotional, among the Igorot of Sagada,…
From the Shores of Hudson Bay to the Buffalo Country: a Unique Quilled Coat in the City Museum of Brunswick
Assiniboine, Cree, Hudson Bay, leather coat, Native Americans, Northeastern Plains, quillwork, SiouxBy: RUSLAN YENDRZHIYEVSKYY – My work is dedicated to a unique Native American coat with quillwork decoration. It has been kept in the City Museum of Braunschweig in Germany since 1899. This rare artifact is part of an important collection of North American artifacts from before 1783. It is often attributed to the Huron people,…
Hypertension and nutritional status among the women of Bharia and Gond tribe of Patalkot region District-Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, India
By: AJAY KUMAR AHIRWAR, RAJESH KUMAR GAUTAM, PRIYANKA AGRIYA – – Hypertension is a major health problem worldwide, killing 9.4 million people annually. Ignoring high blood pressure can lead to life-threatening complications. The present cross-sectional study surveyed 198 women (129 Bharia and 69 Gond) aged 20-74 from Patalkot, Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, India. Data was collected…
Relationship between arm span and stature among children aged 2-5 years of West Bengal, India
By: ARINDAM BISWAS, ARGINA KHATUN, KAUSHIK BOSE – Stature prediction is important in anthropological research and medical jurisprudence. In personal identification, stature is estimated along with age, sex, and ethnicity to create a biological profile. A study was done on 2–5-year-olds in Maynaguri Block, Jalpaiguri District, West Bengal, India. Sex-specific mean differences were significant for…
Obesity and hypertension: A study among Nepali-speaking adult male tea workers of Darjeeling, West Bengal, India
By: SIDDHARTH CHHETRI, ARINDAM BISWAS, ARGINA KHATUN – This study investigates the prevalence of obesity and hypertension among adult male tea estate workers from Pussimbang and Tongsong Tea Estates in Darjeeling, West Bengal. It focuses on the relationship between central obesity and hypertension. A sample of 284 healthy male participants, aged 18 to 59 years,…
Anthropogenic Impact of Climate Change: A Case Study from the Sundarbans, India
By: ARUP MAJUMDER – The Sundarbans is the world’s largest contiguous mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning India and Bangladesh. This unique ecosystem is home to numerous species, including the Bengal tiger, and supports 4.37 million people. It absorbs 41.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, highlighting its critical role in carbon sequestration.…
Health and Traditional Healing Practices among the Halbi tribe of Maharashtra
By: DEEPAK KUMAR, NISHEETH RAI – India’s healthcare system is deeply rooted in tradition, with ancient roots dating back to early Vedic times. Traditional healing practices draw validation from authoritative texts like Ayurveda and Charaka Samhita. Recognized by the WHO, traditional healthcare is the primary source of care for about 80% of the global population.…
The Influence of Home Environment on Adolescent Punctuality: A Comparative Analysis of Gender and Family Structure Differences
By: IRSHAD KHAN, SALONI PANDA – This study examines the relationship between adolescents’ home environments and their punctuality in Chhattisgarh, India. The study examines how different family structures and genders affect time management practices and domestic experiences among 100 secondary school students. The results indicate significant differences in the punctuality patterns of adolescents from nuclear…
Ambari’s Luxury Ceramics: Exploring the Heritage, its Significance with Special Focus on the Green Glaze Ware
By: JAYANTA ROY, PRIYANKA PATIR – The Ambari archaeological site in Guwahati, Assam, stands as a significant testament to Assam’s ancient cultural and socio-economic landscape. Excavations at Ambari have revealed a number of artifacts, including luxury ceramics such as Kaolin ware and unique green glazed ware. These artifacts offer insights into Ambari’s role in ancient…
Socio-cultural life and transition of Gond tribe, Nawarangpur, Odisha
By: JAYASHREE PRUSTY – According to the 2011 census, India is home to 705 tribal communities, constituting 8.6% of the total population. The following states have designated Gond as a scheduled tribe: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, and West Bengal, with a total population of 1,13,44,629.…
The cultural, ethical, and traditional practices of ethnic groups
By: KANKANA DE – Culture is defined as the totality of behaviors shared by a group of people and shaped by their environment. In India, culture is based on familial obligation and elders’ respect. North-eastern India’s traditional attire and dances are vibrant and exuberant. Each state’s cultural activities cater to diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Examples include…
A Study on Malnutrition in Children, Women, and Elderly People
By: KANKANA DE – Nutrition is the process by which the body uses food to obtain energy and grow. Human nutrition involves absorbing and adapting to different physiological processes. It can lead to growth and development. However, malnutrition can result from differences in age, sex, height, and nutrient intake. Deficiencies can cause health problems, including…
Livelihood vulnerability and Health outcomes: An Intersectional Analysis among Gond Tribes of Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India
By: KARAN MOHAN THAKUR – Marginalized tribal communities live in remote locations, away from mainstream communities, and are deprived of development due to separation. A study on the Gond tribes of Madhya Pradesh, India, investigates how livelihood vulnerabilities affect the health outcomes of Indigenous people in Barkhera village. Livelihood vulnerabilities like economic instability, poverty, lack…
Prevalence of Hypertension Among the Oraons of Odisha
By: MADHU KUMARI, KALYANI RATH – It is evident that hypertension stands as the foremost modifiable health-related risk factor in India, exerting a substantial influence on the prevalence of premature deaths, disabilities, and mortalities. According to extant literature, hypertension accounts for approximately 25 percent of the global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It is the…
The Interplay of Cultural Beliefs, the Environment and the Traditional Healthcare System among the Santals of Purulia, India
By: SOVAN CHAKRABORTY – The traditional health care system practiced by the Santal tribe is deeply rooted in their ecological understanding, which recognizes the complex connections between culture, environment, and well-being. Over generations, the Santals have cultivated an extensive knowledge of their natural environment, especially the forest, which has led to the development of a…
The Last Rite of Passage: Death and Funeral Traditions Among the Adi Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh
By: TARH RAMYA, ASIN CHARU, KANO TABOH, GODA MEPUNG – This study examines Adi funerary rites, rituals, and customs through Gennep’s model of passage, questioning whether these categories fully capture the complexity of these practices. Rather than viewing death as a singular transition, Adi rites and rituals function as an ongoing negotiation between the living,…
A Profile of the Traditional Musical Instruments of the Thadou Kuki People
By: SEIGOUMANG CHONGLOI, ANGI NOMASAY YOBIN – William Shaw first listed the traditional musical instruments of the Thadou-Kukis in his 1929 book, “Notes on the Thadou Kukis.” Since then, five musical instruments have more or less disappeared, while the others are slowly being forgotten. These instruments are important to their culture and society. They are…
The Sacred Complex of Nongpok Lourembam Village in Manipur: A Cultural and Anthropological Perspective
By: ANANDIBALA MANGSHATABAM, HOABIJAM VOKENDRO SINGH – The sacred complex is comprised of three analytical concepts: sacred geography, a set of sacred performances, and a corps of sacred specialists. The application of these concepts has been methodologically studied in relation to the sacred city of Gaya. The Arong Ningthou is the Umanglai, the local deity…
Hand anthropometry among the Hindu population of West Bengal
Dolichocheir, forensic science, Hand Anthropometry, Hand Breadth, Hand Index, Hand Length, Hyperdolichocheir, sexual dimorphismBy: SOUVIK MANNA – Hand anthropometry is of great importance due to the complex structure and functional dexterity of the human hand and plays a vital role in biomechanics, prosthetic advancements, military ergonomics, wearable technology design, and biometric systems. It is also crucial in medico-legal investigations, especially in human identification, highlighting the importance of region-specific…
Impact of COVID 19 Pandemic on the Mental Health of College Going Students in Sagar District, Madhya Pradesh
By: SUNANDA SAHU, A. BIJAYASUNDARI DEVI – The COVID 19 pandemic disrupted daily life worldwide, impacting mental health, particularly among young children and college students, through psychological and social effects. The present study assesses the effects of the pandemic on the mental health of college students in Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh, India. A cross-sectional study…
2D:4D and its relationship with fluctuating digit asymmetries: A study among the young adults of Ravas of West Bengal, India
Biological Anthropology, BMI, Developmental Stress, Digit Ratio, Fluctuating Asymmetry, Human DevelopmentBy: AVIK RAY, SOHELA SOBNAM, ASHISH MUKHOPADHYAY, SUBIR BISWAS, MITHU BHADRA – In the present study, fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in digits, height, and BMI were selected as markers of developmental stress. The objective of this study was to examine the association or correlation between these indicators and the digit ratio (2D:4D) and to ascertain whether…
Between Conformity and Resistance: Women’s organization in the state of Arunachal Pradesh
By: ZILPHA A. MODI – In the predominantly tribal region of Arunachal Pradesh, women’s organizations are often heralded as symbols of social progress, development, and empowerment. However, the mere presence of women in these organizations is sometimes oversimplified as an indication of the elevated status of tribal women, obscuring the nuanced realities of their struggles.…
Menstrual health and its determinants: A Narrative Review among the adolescents
By: MOUMITA PAUL, SADARUDDIN BISWAS – Menstruation is defined as the monthly shedding of the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. During the pubertal stage, young women frequently encounter menstrual irregularities, which can have a substantial impact on their daily lives. The prevalence of irregular menstruation varies across the country. Such irregularities are generally considered…
Domestication and beyond
By: FRANCESCA CORRADINI, MATTEO FERRARI – In the Western tradition, domestication has been widely understood by scholars as a one-way process in which humans dominate nonhuman animals. However, this narrative has obscured histories and other geographies in which humans and nonhumans shared spaces of mutualism and reciprocity. Multispecies ethnography, as well as new trends in…
Challenges and Strategies of Ethnomedicinal Practices in Tribal India
By: PRIYANKA – The ethno-medical practices of tribal India represent a rich heritage of healing and cultural knowledge. To ensure that these practices are preserved and revitalized, the challenges they face must be addressed. We can preserve and strengthen the invaluable contributions of tribal ethno-medicine to health and well-being by documenting traditional knowledge, providing education…
Political Parties in Culture: Dynamics, Allegiances and Socio-Cultural Issues- An Ethnographic Study in North Dumdum of Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Electoral Campaigns, political anthropology, Political Slogans, Political Symbolism, Social Media in Politics, Socio-political Dynamics, Voter BehaviourBy: SHREYA CHAKRABORTY, ABHIJIT DAS, NABANITA DHAR – This study explores the socio-political dynamics of major political parties in North Dum Dum Municipality (NDDM), West Bengal. The focus of this study is on the supporters of these parties, the party systems, the political symbolism of these parties, and the impact of social media on political…
The Etruscans in the Middle Ages. A new approach to the origin of the terms ITALIA / YTALIA
Akkadian “atalu”, Cimabue, Dante Alighieri, Etruscans / Tuscans, Greek letter Ύψιλον (Ypsilon), Italia, Metallurgy, Ytalia, Αἰθαλείς (Aithaleis), Αἰθαλία (Aithalia)By: CHARIS KOUTELAKIS – This article explores the possible etymological origins of the name “Italia,” proposing that it derives from the Greek “Αἰθαλία” (Aithalia), associated with evening darkness and black smoke from volcanoes and metallurgy. The text discusses how early Mediterranean migrants, particularly miners and metallurgists of diverse origins, contributed to this perception. References to…