The Anthropology of Religion, Magic, and Witchcraft

This concise and accessible textbook introduces students to the anthropological study of religion. It examines religious expression from a cross-cultural perspective and exposes students to the complexities of religion in small-scale and complex societies. The chapters incorporate key theoretical concepts and a wide range of ethnographic material. The fifth edition of The Anthropology of Religion, Magic, and Witchcraft offers:

• a revised introduction covering the foundations of the anthropology of religion, anthropological methods, and a push toward decolonizing the anthropology of religion,

• expanded coverage of symbols, healing, wizardry, and the intersections of religion with other social institutions,

• new case study material with examples drawn from around the globe, especially from Indigenous communities,

• marginalia in each chapter introducing provocative small-case examples related to the chapter—many of these can be used as prompts for further research, small in-class case studies, or examples for hands-on learning,

• a new chapter on religion and healing, especially useful for Anthropology programs without representation of four fields, as it provides a wider and more interdisciplinary application of the discipline,

• a consistent review of foundations from chapter to chapter, linking material and enabling students to connect what they are learning throughout the course, and

• further resources via a comprehensive companion website, including interactive activities, critical case studies, updated study questions, and bibliographical suggestions (including video). Available at routledgelearning.com/anthreligionmagicwitchcraft.

This is an essential guide for students encountering the anthropology of religion for the first time and also for those with an ongoing interest in this fascinating field.