Blood Magic: The Anthropology of Menstruation

Bys: Thomas Buckley and Alma Gottlieb

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0520063503
• ISBN13: 9780520063501
• Release Date: June 1988
• Publisher: University of California Press
• Length: 275 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Parents, please read this book

I first read this book 15 years ago, in the midst of writing a book about women roles in California Indian society. It brought so many things into sharper focus about other ways of seeing the world and our place in it. Everyone should be taught its lessons, that menstuation is not something to be ashamed of but to value, as an opportunity to give life, and to bond with nature and family. Imagine if women everywhere had Moontime retreats, that is, monthly meetings(not just furtive water-cooler chats) about our physical and emotional changes. And imagine having a positive body-image, as a girl, teenager, young adult, mother, daughter, and grandmother, not just able to cope, but ready to lead? Break the taboo, read it, talk about it; I dare you!