I am an undergraduate anthropology student who focuses in the anthropology of religion, ritual, and mythology. My areas of study have included indigenous religions, language and its relation to worldview, and religious animal sacrifice.
A partial narrative essay examining the idea of an "anthropological other" in relation to my tim... more A partial narrative essay examining the idea of an "anthropological other" in relation to my time spent in Raglan, New Zealand with the Maori people
A paper written following my time in the South Pacific, this essay examines how culture and langu... more A paper written following my time in the South Pacific, this essay examines how culture and language can have effects on perspective and worldview. Examples from Maori education and religious language as well as Australian Aboriginal language are used, with a final reflection on how this experience has broadened my worldview.
An interview based qualitative analysis looking at how the United States is viewed from an outsid... more An interview based qualitative analysis looking at how the United States is viewed from an outside perspectives. Interviewees consist of those encountered during my time in the South Pacific.
An essay examining the idea of self in the religions of three countries visited during my semeste... more An essay examining the idea of self in the religions of three countries visited during my semester abroad in the South Pacific. Beliefs from Fijian, New Zealand Maori, and Australian Aboriginal cultures are examined, with interjected narrative components reflecting on my travels.
Animal sacrifice is a religious practice that has existed for thousands of years. It has been use... more Animal sacrifice is a religious practice that has existed for thousands of years. It has been used as a form of worship in various faiths around the globe, and is still utilized as a form of veneration and exchange in several religions today. This study will expand on the purpose of animal sacrifice, seeking to educate on the practice and differentiate it into two main types: sacrifice for receiving, and sacrifice for cleansing. To understand animal sacrifice’s place in society today, this paper will also explore the Santeria faith, a religion which came into existence during the Slave Trade and grew in the Caribbean, later spreading into the United States. By examining past anthropological studies on various cultures and tribes, and conducting interviews with practitioners of Santeria, it can be understood that animal sacrifice serves as a means of achieving balance within a faith, with the sacrifice being received in exchange for a specific service, or simply as a gifting to the deities to which the religion worships. The practice of animal sacrifice will vary depending on the religion, and the ceremony in which the sacrifice is being used. While animal sacrifice is still practiced by many faiths today, it is often viewed as primitive and barbaric form of worship, and is generally seen with distaste by many in our society. In conclusion, by exploring different views of animal sacrifice, both ancient and modern, this practice can be better understood, and its purpose better defined.
A partial narrative essay examining the idea of an "anthropological other" in relation to my tim... more A partial narrative essay examining the idea of an "anthropological other" in relation to my time spent in Raglan, New Zealand with the Maori people
A paper written following my time in the South Pacific, this essay examines how culture and langu... more A paper written following my time in the South Pacific, this essay examines how culture and language can have effects on perspective and worldview. Examples from Maori education and religious language as well as Australian Aboriginal language are used, with a final reflection on how this experience has broadened my worldview.
An interview based qualitative analysis looking at how the United States is viewed from an outsid... more An interview based qualitative analysis looking at how the United States is viewed from an outside perspectives. Interviewees consist of those encountered during my time in the South Pacific.
An essay examining the idea of self in the religions of three countries visited during my semeste... more An essay examining the idea of self in the religions of three countries visited during my semester abroad in the South Pacific. Beliefs from Fijian, New Zealand Maori, and Australian Aboriginal cultures are examined, with interjected narrative components reflecting on my travels.
Animal sacrifice is a religious practice that has existed for thousands of years. It has been use... more Animal sacrifice is a religious practice that has existed for thousands of years. It has been used as a form of worship in various faiths around the globe, and is still utilized as a form of veneration and exchange in several religions today. This study will expand on the purpose of animal sacrifice, seeking to educate on the practice and differentiate it into two main types: sacrifice for receiving, and sacrifice for cleansing. To understand animal sacrifice’s place in society today, this paper will also explore the Santeria faith, a religion which came into existence during the Slave Trade and grew in the Caribbean, later spreading into the United States. By examining past anthropological studies on various cultures and tribes, and conducting interviews with practitioners of Santeria, it can be understood that animal sacrifice serves as a means of achieving balance within a faith, with the sacrifice being received in exchange for a specific service, or simply as a gifting to the deities to which the religion worships. The practice of animal sacrifice will vary depending on the religion, and the ceremony in which the sacrifice is being used. While animal sacrifice is still practiced by many faiths today, it is often viewed as primitive and barbaric form of worship, and is generally seen with distaste by many in our society. In conclusion, by exploring different views of animal sacrifice, both ancient and modern, this practice can be better understood, and its purpose better defined.
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