Abstract
In common with other eastern Bantu peoples Kuna kill animals ritually without that killing being seen as an offering to a deity. A discussion of what such a killing entails reflects on theories of sacrifice but serves also to establish a non-sacnficial form of ritual kilhng. In the latter it is not the life of the animal that is at issue but rather the lhfe in the animal. The ritual use of the stomach contents or chyme is diacntical, for this is taken by many eastern Bantu peoples to manifest an essential life-process. Chyme is taken ritually to make whole, restore or transfer life. The animal acts thus as a vehicle rather than a surrogate, and the ntual itself is concerned with broader, impersonal qualities of hfe and well-being rather than the personalhsed deities or spints that are commonly addressed in sacnfice.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
