Transactions with the Realm of Spirits in Modern Korea
0
조회
0
다운로드
0
인용
0
참고문헌
키워드
초록
This paper aims to understand the reason why kut and other shamanic practices in Korea are so much in demand, in spite of the high sums of money they require, and will examine, in the process, the modern transformations of rituals and the criticisms directed against the supposed ethical shortcomings of modern shamans who demand so much money, and against the “mistakes” these shamans are alleged to make during the ritual. The paper suggests that the notion of reciprocity is not the only relevant factor in the analysis of the transactions within the ritual, but that monetary and material transactions are to be considered as a means to create a communicative setting for the participants, who engage in decision-making, negotiation and bargaining. That what allows shamanic rituals to survive in a modern society are changes in the behaviour and mental attitudes of the participants. Because the efficacy of a ritual is based on the emotional reassurance of the client, the evaluation of the competence of the shaman is shifted away from religious and ritual correctness to her communicative competence.
Abstract
This paper aims to understand the reason why kut and other shamanic practices in Korea are so much in demand, in spite of the high sums of money they require, and will examine, in the process, the modern transformations of rituals and the criticisms directed against the supposed ethical shortcomings of modern shamans who demand so much money, and against the “mistakes” these shamans are alleged to make during the ritual. The paper suggests that the notion of reciprocity is not the only relevant factor in the analysis of the transactions within the ritual, but that monetary and material transactions are to be considered as a means to create a communicative setting for the participants, who engage in decision-making, negotiation and bargaining. That what allows shamanic rituals to survive in a modern society are changes in the behaviour and mental attitudes of the participants. Because the efficacy of a ritual is based on the emotional reassurance of the client, the evaluation of the competence of the shaman is shifted away from religious and ritual correctness to her communicative competence.