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Raramuri Souls
In his sensitive portrayal of the Raramuri (or Tarahumara) Indians, Merrill examines the ways in which a society, lacking formal educational institutions, produces and transmits its basic knowledge about the world.
237 pages, Paperback
First published November 17, 1988
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 30, 2021
Merrill's book is an interesting study of the Rarámuri--more commonly known as Tarahumara--concept of soul. However, unlike the Catholic tradition into which they were compelled to adapt, which believes that only humans possess a soul that is unique to each person, the Rarámuri think of soul in the plural. In addition to humans each possessing multiple souls of various sizes in different parts of the body, there is also an array of nonhuman beings that possess souls as well. Indeed, anything that "breathes" possesses a soul.
With the Rarámuri concepts of ariwá and iwigá, their two words for soul, in mind, Merrill examines two substantial categories of customs: first, the reproduction of knowledge in the village of Rejogochi, which is to say how what the Rarámuri know is shared within the community, in which an agrarian-based oral tradition is maintained; second, and more importantly, how the Rarámuri think about death, grief, and the afterlife, which is still informed by pre-colonial values and beliefs.
In the end, what makes 'Rarámuri Souls' a substantial contribution to Indigenous studies is its perceptive and respectful regard for personal diversity within the community studied, namely the Rarámuri of Rejogochi. Unlike too many of his anthropological predecessors, Merrill is acutely aware of the bias in his scholarly community to presume that a "primitive people" must all think with one mind. On the contrary, Merrill argues that diversity of opinion is a prominent, dynamic and healthy feature of Indigenous life and society.
My reason, though, for not awarding this book more stars is a major one. Merrill presents the Rarámuri is a folk society that's disconnected from the world around them. Except for some minor interactions with the local mestizo community, the denizens of Rejogochi are portrayed as virtually unaffected by the modern world. How do Rarámuri deal with the Mexican government? Do they have a voice in Mexican Indian affairs? Do they have any land and water rights issues? How does their agrarian economy fit into the Mexican economy or globalization? Do many Rarámuri migrate to the United States? All of these questions and others were going through my mind as I read this book.
With the Rarámuri concepts of ariwá and iwigá, their two words for soul, in mind, Merrill examines two substantial categories of customs: first, the reproduction of knowledge in the village of Rejogochi, which is to say how what the Rarámuri know is shared within the community, in which an agrarian-based oral tradition is maintained; second, and more importantly, how the Rarámuri think about death, grief, and the afterlife, which is still informed by pre-colonial values and beliefs.
In the end, what makes 'Rarámuri Souls' a substantial contribution to Indigenous studies is its perceptive and respectful regard for personal diversity within the community studied, namely the Rarámuri of Rejogochi. Unlike too many of his anthropological predecessors, Merrill is acutely aware of the bias in his scholarly community to presume that a "primitive people" must all think with one mind. On the contrary, Merrill argues that diversity of opinion is a prominent, dynamic and healthy feature of Indigenous life and society.
My reason, though, for not awarding this book more stars is a major one. Merrill presents the Rarámuri is a folk society that's disconnected from the world around them. Except for some minor interactions with the local mestizo community, the denizens of Rejogochi are portrayed as virtually unaffected by the modern world. How do Rarámuri deal with the Mexican government? Do they have a voice in Mexican Indian affairs? Do they have any land and water rights issues? How does their agrarian economy fit into the Mexican economy or globalization? Do many Rarámuri migrate to the United States? All of these questions and others were going through my mind as I read this book.
November 23, 2017
An excellent study of the Tarahumara worldview with many good and detailed insights into their beliefs and way of thinking.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews