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Polynesian Religion
Paperback
Australia & OceaniaComparative ReligionAnthropology
ISBN13: 9781025916231
Publisher: Tradd Street Press
Published: Feb 14 2026
Pages: 348
Weight: 1.07
Height: 0.72 Width: 6.14 Depth: 9.21
Language: English
Polynesian Religion is a foundational anthropological study that explores the intricate spiritual beliefs and practices of the indigenous peoples across the Pacific Islands. Written by Edward Smith Craighill Handy, this comprehensive work examines the core concepts of mana and tapu, the genealogical connections between gods and humanity, and the structural role of the priesthood in Polynesian society.
The text delves into the diverse pantheon of deities, including Tangaroa and Tane, while analyzing the rituals, myths, and ethical systems that governed daily life and social hierarchies. From the sacred origins of the universe to the ceremonial life of the community, the book provides a systematic overview of the religious thought that unified and distinguished various island cultures, including those of Hawaii, Tahiti, and New Zealand.
Drawing upon extensive fieldwork and traditional oral histories, Polynesian Religion remains an essential resource for scholars of Oceania and students of comparative religion. It offers a detailed window into a complex world of spiritual symbolism, providing readers with a profound understanding of how ancient traditions shaped the identity and worldviews of Polynesian civilizations.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
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