Graduation Date
1996
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Other
Program
Art
Committee Chair Name
Jack Norton
Committee Chair Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Dr. Timothy J. McMillan
Third Committee Member Name
Dr. Luis Arroyo
Fourth Committee Member Name
Dr. John P. Turner
Keywords
Art
Abstract
To accomplish an analysis of the meaning of the snake in two distinctly different cultures, I have chosen to illustrate and compare snake myths and symbolism in Western folklore, literature, religion (The Bible and Christianity) and psychology with those myths and symbols of snakes in what we might call non-Western cultures. In these non-Western cultures (specifically the Yurok culture of Northwestern California), data will be derived from the analysis of mythology, literature, religion and specific anthropological ethnographies. Furthermore, I will elucidate the role that education plays in the respective cultures in proliferating and propagating these myths. An analysis of the snake as an anomaly will be developed within the context of the respective cultures as well. To successfully achieve a thorough analysis and understanding of the dichotomy of snake myths and symbols in Euro-American and Yurok culture, it is both necessary and useful to examine and employ the methods and works of some of the great names in academia. To this end, I carry with me the proverbial baggage that anthropologists invariably do: theoretical models and "schools of interpretation" often associated with familiar names in academia names such as Levi-Strauss, Herskovits, Boas, even Freud. In my iv interpretation of both Western and non-Western cultural data, it is therefore impossible to avoid personal prescriptions. As a result, the use of a rather Malinowskian (almost Marxian) model will undoubtedly be aided by the conclusions of such notables as Thomas Buckley, Mary Douglas, Mircea Eliade, and Edmund R. Leach. It is within the context of these theories that I will attempt to explain Biblical references and Yurok views as they relate to the mythological and symbolic manifestations of snakes. Furthermore, I will attempt to explore the more psychosocial aspects of snake myth, symbolism and fear. In this manner, snake myth will be illustrated as a possible reflection of the social and political processes within the representative societies listed above. I do not purport objectivity in the above undertakings -- my position is obvious. As scientists often do however, ”rather than framing and executing experiments, they conduct research that is a continuing search for data to substantiate a prejudice"(Babbie, 1990:5). Having made my personal prejudices known, I will attempt to and have every intention of duly substantiating all evidence presented, for subjectivity is not necessarily equated with misrepresentation.
Recommended Citation
Niderost, Aaron C., "The Stranglehold of the Serpent" (1996). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 2481.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/2481