The Sacred Dance
A Study in Comparative Folklore

First published in 1923, this book presents a discussion of 'the part played by the Sacred Dance among the peoples of antiquity'.

W. O. E. Oesterley (Author)

9781316601631, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 25 February 2016

248 pages
18 x 13 x 1.5 cm, 0.26 kg

First published in 1923, this book presents a discussion of 'the part played by the Sacred Dance among the peoples of antiquity'. Chapters include 'The origin and purposes of the sacred dance', 'Dances in celebration of victory' and 'The sacred dance as a marriage rite'. The text was written by the well-known theologian and biblical scholar W. O. E. Oesterley (1866–1950). This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in perspectives on anthropology and religion.

Preface
1. Introductory
2. The origin and purposes of the sacred dance
3. The sacred dance among the Israelites
4. The Old Testament terms for 'dancing'
5. The sacred professional dance and dances in honour of supernatural powers
6. The ritual dance round a sacred object
7. The ecstatic dance
8. The sacred dance at vintage, harvest, and other festivals
9. Dances in celebration of victory
10. The sacred dance as a marriage rite
11. Dancing as a mourning and burial rite
Index.

Subject Areas: Social & cultural anthropology, ethnography [JHMC]