The Earth Shakers of Madagascar

An Anthropological Study of Authority, Fertility and Creation

By: Oliver Woolley

Write A Review

Hardcover | 1 May 2002 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Hardcover
294 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
22.23 x 14.61 x 2.54

Hardcover

RRP $231.00

$196.35

15%OFF

or 4 interest-free payments of $49.09 with

Ships in 15 to 25 business days

In the empty 'Wastelands' of south-east Madagascar intrepid homesteaders struggle to 'make the land living', striking out into the wilds and building villages and rice paddies. As this pioneering expansion turns a once-barren landscape into a fertile resource for an ever-growing number of flourishing agricultural communities, there is an increasing concern on the part of the competing resident clans to control the act of 'creation' itself.
So great is the perceived need to access supra-human sources of fertility that local leaders are forced by their people to 'sacrifice' themselves in order to harness the life-giving and animating force of 'creation'. Held hostage by their subjects, leaders attempt to recreate in human terms creations most apparently potent and productive reaction; the violent and elemental combination of earth and water that takes place in the flooded rice paddies prior to sowing. The transformative and generative power of this complex ritual of mimicry not only helps explain the unique and curious relationship between 'rulers' and 'ruled' to be found in the region but also allows us to understand how the inseparability of people, land and divinity informs such a political system.

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $79.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.