The texts and visual arts of ancient Egypt reveal a persistent and sophisticated engagement with problems of language; the body; and multiplicity. This innovative book shows how these issues were represented in ancient Egypt and how Egyptian approaches to them continue to influence the way we think about them today. The story of Osiris is one of the central cultural myths of ancient Egypt; a story of dismemberment and religious passion that also exemplifies attitudes about personal identity; sexuality; and the transfer of royal power. It is; moreover; a story of death and the overcoming of death; and in this it lies at the center of our own means of engagement with ancient Egypt. This book focuses on the story of Osiris as it is recorded in Egyptian texts and memorialized on the walls of temples and tombs. Since such a focus is attainable only through Egyptian representational systems; especially hieroglyphs; the book also engages broader questions of writing and visual representation: decipherment; controversies about the “ideograph;†and the relation between visual images and writing. This analysis of Egyptian representation leads to a consideration of the phallic body and the problem of multiplicity in Egyptian religion; two nets of Egyptian discourse that; though integrated into the writing system itself; reach toward broader Egyptian discourses of gender; subjectivity; piety; and cosmogenesis. The concluding chapter considers; in specific terms; the question of a persisting Egyptian legacy in the West; from the Greeks and Israelites to Augustine; Hegel; and Lacan.
#197983 in Books James R Walker 1991-05-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.39 x .86 x 5.45l; 1.01 #File Name: 0803297319329 pagesLakota Belief and Ritual
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Soul of the LakhotaBy StephenXIn my obsession to learn about the Lakhota culture; I have read many books on the subject. I have just read The 6th Grandfather; now I am finishing Walker's book. Between these two books one can get a feeling and understanding of the Lakhota culture. I've always felt that instead of forcing "civilization" down the Native American throats; The Washichuns should have paid more attention to the beliefs of the Indians. Why are Christians myths any more valid than those of all other cultures? Shunghilaska imachiyapi0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Highly recommendedBy engagedconsumer_genxI thoroughly enjoyed this book. Though the subject matter is largely based on Native American folklore; the lessons are very important and relevant in the context of current American society.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Spirit of the LostBy Tim McCarthyThis contains a great deal of information now lost to many Lakota people and as such is helpful in reconstructing heritage and culture. Unfortunately it was not written in the Lakota language and must be read with an open mind and should be verified where problematic with a Lakota elder in order to capture the Truth within the text from a spiritual perspective.
