Krankheitsprojektile. Untersuchung über eine urtümliche Krankheitserklärung

Study of primitive disease explanations by Lauri Honko

Cover of "Krankheitsprojektile. Untersuchung über eine urtümliche Krankheitserklärung" by Lauri Honko

Krankheitsprojektile. Untersuchung über eine urtümliche Krankheitserklärung is a seminal work by Finnish folklorist Lauri Honko, published in 1959. The book explores the concept of "disease projectiles" as a primitive explanation for illness, a belief found in various cultures around the world. Honko's study is a comprehensive examination of how these beliefs manifest and their significance in the context of folklore and anthropology.

Overview

The term "krankheitsprojektile" refers to the belief that diseases are caused by physical objects or projectiles that are supernaturally sent into the body. This concept is prevalent in many traditional societies, where illness is often attributed to malevolent forces or spirits. Honko's work delves into the origins and variations of this belief, providing a detailed analysis of its role in cultural practices and healing rituals.

Cultural Context

In many indigenous cultures, the idea of disease projectiles is intertwined with shamanism and spiritual healing. Shamans or traditional healers are believed to have the ability to extract these projectiles from the body, thus curing the patient. Honko's research highlights the symbolic nature of these practices, where the removal of a physical object represents the expulsion of illness.

Methodology

Honko employed a multidisciplinary approach, combining ethnography, comparative mythology, and historical analysis to study the phenomenon of disease projectiles. He gathered data from a wide range of sources, including fieldwork, historical texts, and interviews with practitioners of traditional medicine. This comprehensive methodology allowed him to draw connections between disparate cultural beliefs and practices.

Significance

The study of disease projectiles offers valuable insights into the ways in which human societies understand and cope with illness. Honko's work underscores the importance of cultural beliefs in shaping health practices and the perception of disease. It also highlights the resilience of traditional knowledge systems in the face of modern medical paradigms.

Impact

Honko's book has had a lasting impact on the fields of folklore and anthropology. It has inspired further research into the intersection of culture and medicine, and has contributed to a greater appreciation of the diversity of human belief systems. The concept of disease projectiles continues to be a topic of interest for scholars studying the cultural dimensions of health and illness.

Related pages

• Shamanism
• Folklore
• Anthropology
• Traditional medicine