Nacirema

[Source: Russell T. McCutheon, ed. The Insider / Outsider Problem in the Study of Religion. London:

Cassell Academic, 1999. © R. T. McCutcheon. Posted by permission.]

Body Ritual Among the Nacirema

Horace Miner

The anthropologist has become so familiar with the diversity of ways in which different

peoples behave in similar situations that he is not apt to be surprised by even the most

exotic customs. In fact, if all of the logically possible combinations of behavior have not

been found somewhere in the world, he is apt to suspect that they must be present in

some yet undescribed tribe. This point has, in fact, been expressed with respect to clan

organization by Murdock (1949: 71).(1) In this light, the magical beliefs and practices of

the Nacirema present such unusual aspects that it seems desirable to describe them as an

example of the extremes to which human behavior can go.

Professor Linton first brought the ritual of the Nacirema to the attention of

anthropologists twenty years ago (1936: 326),(2) but the culture of this people is still very

poorly understood. They are a North American group living in the territory between the

Canadian Cree, the Yaqui and Tarahumare of Mexico, and the Carib and Arawak of the

Antilles. Little is known of their origin, though tradition states that they came from the

east. According to Nacirema mythology, their nation was originated by a culture hero,

Notgnishaw, who is otherwise known for two great feats of strength--the throwing of a

piece of wampum across the river Pa-To-Mac and the chopping down of a cherry tree in

which the Spirit of Truth resided.

Nacirema culture is characterized by a highly developed market economy which has

evolved in a rich natural habitat. While much of the people's time is devoted to economic

pursuits, a large part of the fruits of these labors and a considerable portion of the day are

spent in ritual activity. The focus of this activity is the human body, the appearance and

health of which loom as a...