Abstract

BALSANELLI, Alice. Fertile bones: the preservation of prey remains among the Maya Lacandon. Estud. cult. maya [online]. 2023, vol.61, pp.227-255.  Epub June 26, 2023. ISSN 0185-2574.  https://doi.org/10.19130/iifl.ecm/61.002x4856001sm8.

According to the ancient and contemporary Mayans, bones are considered as carriers of certain spiritual essences and, thus, as fertile elements. Therefore, they acquire a deep symbolic significance, displayed in a wide range of ritual practices. In native hunting societies, in different geographic and ethnographic contexts, we observe the same conception, thus the remains of the prey are subject to a specific ritual treatment. We propose the analysis of this practice among the Northern Lacandon. It is shown that this process is necessary to preserve the essences contained in the bones, from which the hunted animals will regenerate. In the same way, we argue that the soul essences contained in the remains can be dangerous, when the remains are not properly treated. Ethnographic information inherent to the human body and the animal body will be compared, addressing the ontological and eschatological ideas of the Lacandon group.

Keywords : Lacandon Maya; hunting; bones; soul; personhood.

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