Savages and angels: The spiritual, social and physical development of individuals and households in Andean life‐cycle festivals*

Abstract

In analysing life‐cycle rituals (rites of passage) it is important to consider not only the relationship between individuals and society, but also the role of the household. The change in status that an individual achieves through life‐cycle rituals also has implications for the status of the members of his/her household and of other kin. In the Andes, life‐cycle rituals are necessary for the physical, social and spiritual development of individuals and households. Analyses that exclusively associate physical development with ‘natural’ parents and social and spiritual development with godparents, ignore the complex relationship between the households of parents, children and godparents.