Blood Magic: The Anthropology of Menstruation - Paperback

by Thomas Buckley (Editor), Alma Gottlieb (Editor)

Examining cultures as diverse as long-house dwellers in North Borneo, African farmers, Welsh housewives, and postindustrial American workers, this volume dramatically redefines the anthropological study of menstrual customs. It challenges the widespread image of a universal "menstrual taboo" as well as the common assumption of universal female subordination which underlies it. Contributing important new material and perspectives to our understanding of comparative gender politics and symbolism, it is of particular importance to those interested in anthropology, women's studies, religion, and comparative health systems.

Front Jacket

Sets the stage for an ethnography of menstruation beliefs and will, I predict, be viewed as the opening work of a whole ethnographic tradition . . . will be widely cited.--Anna Meigs, Macalester College

"Provides a concise and complete critique of the literature and thinking on menstrual practices and introduces new analyses and concepts with regard to previously unknown material."--Ann L. Wright, University of Arizona

Author Biography

Thomas Buckley was Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Massachusetts at Boston. He specialized in North American Indian ethnology and history, with particular interests in religion and language. Alma Gottlieb is Professor Emerita of Anthropology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her area of interest is Africa, with emphasis on gender, religion, and family structure.