Resounding ritual

Assigned viewings, listenings

(some we will do in class)

Video: Altar of Fire Music Library BL 1226.82 A33 G37 1976

Audio: Ga ritual music

Assigned readings

The Sounds of Silence- Cross-World Communication and the Auditory Arts in African Societies

Music and Ritual Symbolism in the Ga Funeral

Liturgy, Ambiguity and Silence- The Ritual Management of Real Absence

Your selected readings

Sound and Ritual by Anthony Jackson This is my link to an article in response to the 'Resounding ritual' articles we have already read. The article provides a rather general overview of how sound (or lack thereof) influences the interpretation of ritualistic performances. The article is sourced through popular religious theorists Levi-Strauss and Eliade. Primary examples include musical influences from Christianity and African tribal rituals. This relates primarily to the first two of the three articles.

--Khaver 20:39, 14 January 2006 (MST)

Kamayura flute music: a study of music as metacommunication

Here is my article link for the "Resounding Ritual" readings. This article is on the dance and music (specifically flute music) as a form of communication among the Kamayura of Brazil, their rituals, and relationships between the "mythical and social organization through music." -StellaM

Patterns of Social Organization in the Sabbath and Holy Day Services of the Karaite Community in Isreal, by Rachel Kollender

This article deals with the role of music in the worship services of the Karaite communit, as both a religious institution and a means of preserving the community's culture.--Meghanbowen 12:00, 16 January 2006 (MST)

Healing Rituals Involving Music in Cotabato, Philippines, by Jose Maceda

This article is written by leading Filipino native ethnographer Jose Maceda (recently deceased), and reports on variations of a healing ritual practiced by indigenous Filipino mediums in non-enmical co-existence with the Muslim religion, which predominates the island province of Mindanao. Details of the ritual(s) including offerings, dress, trance, dance and musical instruments are provided. Words, translation and musical transcription are included in the final pages. --Kreisha Oro

The Symbolization Process of the Shamanic Drums Used by the Manchus and Other Peoples in North Asia

This article looks at the shamanic drum from an ethnomusicological point of view. It describes the physical aspects of the drum and its use, but also discusses how it operates as a symbol. In the article Lisha Li uses this focus and perspective to create a framework describing the process of symbolization of ritual musical instruments. An important part of this symbolization process seems to take place in rituals where the shaman and drum mediate between our world and the other world. --Cari 21:23, 17 January 2006 (MST)

Origins of the Musical and Spiritual Syncretism of Nomai in Northern Japan

This article takes an indepth look at the origins and religious influences which are predominant in the performance art of Nomai. The article is based on field work done by Susan Asai (an ethnomusicologist) in the city of Hirosaki. It provides historical and religious background,pictoral references, and explanations of the instrumentation, costuming, vocal techniques, and song styles used in the ritual. --KellyM 11:21, 18 January 2006 (MST)

Sound and Ritual

This article, though old (1967 I think), attempts to explain some of the significance of sound in ritual, especially in terms of psychological stimulation and involvement in a society. It also touches on the psychological effects of rhythm on people both in ritual and non-ritual circumstances. --Megfow 15:00, 18 January 2006 (MST)