Blood Magic: The Anthropology of Menstruation
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.1. A critical appraisal of theories of menstrual symbolism / Thomas Buckley and Alma Gottlieb -- 2. Menstrual cosmology among the Beng of Ivory Coast / Alma Gottlieb -- 3. Mortal flow / Carol Delaney -- 4. Menstruation among the Rungus of Borneo / Laura W.R. Appell -- 5. Menstrual politics / Denise L. Lawrence -- 6. Menstrual symbolism in South Wales / Vieda Skultans -- 7. Premenstrual syndrome / Emily Martin -- 8. Menstruation and the power of Yurok women -- 9. Heavenly bodies / Frederick Lamp -- 10. Menstrual synchrony and the Australian rainbow snake / Chris Knight
