Reference : H-1-1-1

Name of creator(s) : Lucien and Jane Hanks

Scope and content : Reflections on the Ontology of Rice Article by Jane R. Hanks from 1960 concerning a small rice-growing community in central Thailand, which has developed rituals associated with every step of growing the grain. Such rituals are monopolized by women, while the men do ordinary field work and rites, thus leaving women to assume such important roles. Thai people believe that living things contain a khwan, or spirit, which is indestructible. Initially sustained by breast milk from women, the khwan is then sustained by rice. Farmers believe that the whole of nature is protected by female guardian spirits.

Extent and medium : Typescript