Question 1

Katchina dolls are specially crafted playthings that teach Zuni children about their future contribution to subsistence.

Accepted Answer

Kachina dolls are primarily associated with the Hopi and other Pueblo peoples, not the Zuni, and they are used to teach about the spiritual figures (kachinas) and cultural beliefs rather than about subsistence contributions.

Question 2

A major goal of most anthropological studies of religion is to determine the "truth" or "falsity" of particular religious beliefs so that the truth about the supernatural can be discovered.

Accepted Answer

Anthropologists do not aim to determine the truth or falsity of religious beliefs since these are not factual claims that can be objectively evaluated. Rather, anthropological studies seek to understand the role and meaning of religion in various cultural contexts.

Question 3

In all industrial states, the increase in secularization has caused religion to disappear and be replaced by humanism.

Accepted Answer

While the increase in secularization has led to a decline in religious practices and beliefs in some industrial states, it does not necessarily mean that religion has disappeared entirely. Additionally, humanism is not necessarily the replacement for religion in all cases. Different societies and individuals may adopt different systems of beliefs and values in the absence of religion.

Question 4

In Polynesian societies, an individual's moral actions affect how much mana they have.

Accepted Answer

Mana is a Polynesian concept that refers to a spiritual power or energy that is inherent in all things. It is believed that an individual's moral actions can either increase or decrease their mana. Positive actions such as generosity, courage, and loyalty can increase an individual's mana, while negative actions such as cowardice, deceit, and disrespect can decrease it. Therefore, an individual's mana is closely tied to their moral character and behavior.

Question 5

Religion appears to be a cultural universal, although specific practices and beliefs vary significantly from culture to culture.

Accepted Answer

While different cultures may have vastly different religious practices and beliefs, it is true that some form of religion or spiritual beliefs appear to be present in all societies, suggesting it is a cultural universal.

Question 6

In ancient agricultural states, religion sanctified and legitimized the authority of political leaders.

Accepted Answer

In many ancient agricultural states, religion played a crucial role in legitimizing the authority of political leaders. Religious beliefs were often used to justify the power of rulers and to maintain social order. This was particularly true in societies where the ruler was seen as having divine or semi-divine status, such as ancient Egypt, where the pharaoh was considered to be a god on earth.

Question 7

Most religious beliefs, whether they are derived from inductive or deductive logic, are based on scientific criteria.

Accepted Answer

Religious beliefs are typically based on faith and revelation rather than scientific criteria. While some religions may incorporate elements of science, such as creation stories that attempt to explain the origins of the universe, these beliefs are not necessarily scientifically testable or provable.

Question 8

The ancient chiefs of Hawaii often sought to legitimize their authority through ritual human sacrifice.

Accepted Answer

Human sacrifice was a part of the religious practices of ancient Hawaii and was believed to appease the gods and provide spiritual protection. Chiefs would often participate or order such sacrifices to legitimize their authority and seek favor from the gods.

Question 9

Totem poles indicated high social status and connections with ancestral deities. They were typically erected in front of the houses of Northwest Coast chiefs.

Accepted Answer

Totem poles were a symbol of prestige and power among the indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast. They were usually placed in front of the homes of chiefs to display their high social status and connections to their ancestors and spiritual beliefs.

Question 10

Since individualistic religious practices and beliefs were deemed as threatening to the state, one of the major functions of priests was to standardize religious beliefs and practices for the society.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. In many societies throughout history, the state has seen individualistic religious practices and beliefs as a threat to social order and stability. As a result, priests and religious leaders have often played a role in standardizing and enforcing certain religious beliefs and practices, in order to create a more cohesive religious community that aligns with the goals and values of the state.

Question 11

Ecclesiastical religions are limited to specific territories and are tied to a particular state organization, while universalistic religions espouse spiritual messages that apply to all of humanity.

Accepted Answer

Ecclesiastical religions often have formal structures and are linked to specific regions or states, whereas universalistic religions aim to transcend cultural and geographic boundaries with messages intended for all people.

Question 12

Dreamtime for the Australian Aborigines is a fundamental, complex concept that includes the past, present, and future where spirits come to the earth and act as intermediaries between the world and the everyday lives of the people.

Accepted Answer

This statement accurately describes the concept of Dreamtime for Australian Aborigines.

Question 13

Indian classical dance originated as a way to perform acts of devotion to Hindu deities.

Accepted Answer

Indian classical dance has its roots in ancient Hindu culture and mythology, and was originally performed in temples as a way to pay tribute to the gods and goddesses. It has since evolved into a form of art showcasing the rich heritage and cultural diversity of India.

Question 14

Tribal groups lack art and music because of the mobile nature of their society.

Accepted Answer

This statement is false as tribal groups often have rich traditions of art and music that are passed down through generations despite their mobile nature.

Question 15

On the Northwest Coast, respected shamans with great spiritual power often surpassed high-ranking chiefs in the accumulation of material wealth.

Accepted Answer

The answer of On the Northwest Coast, respected shamans with...

Question 16

Foragers do not have any music or art since their days are mainly taken up in subsistence activities, politics, and religion.

Accepted Answer

Foragers do have music and art. Though their days are focused on subsistence activities, politics, and religion, music and art have historically played important roles in their cultures and traditions. Examples include song and dance in indigenous Australian cultures and the creation of intricate basketry among Native American tribes.

Question 17

Cognitive anthropologists have found that there is a specialized area of the brain involved in the evolution of religion.

Accepted Answer

Cognitive anthropologists and neuroscientists have not identified a single, specialized area of the brain dedicated exclusively to the evolution of religion. Instead, religious thought and experience are believed to emerge from the complex interactions of various brain regions involved in social cognition, agency detection, and emotional processing.

Question 18

Chiefs often maintained political legitimacy through rituals and religious beliefs.

Accepted Answer

Chiefs often used rituals and religious beliefs to legitimize their authority and gain the support of their people. This was particularly common in traditional societies where religion played a central role in the culture and social organization.

Question 19

Franz Boas emphasized that art produced outside of the European tradition should be considered primitive.

Accepted Answer

Franz Boas actually rejected the idea of a universal hierarchy of cultures with European civilization at the top and non-Western cultures at the bottom. He argued that all cultures have equal value and should be studied and appreciated on their own terms, rather than being judged according to European standards.

Question 20

In Polynesia, a powerful chief would have been considered by other members of his culture to have more mana than a commoner.

Accepted Answer

In Polynesian culture, mana is a spiritual power or energy that is associated with individuals who have achieved great status or power, such as a chief or king. This mana is believed to give these individuals a special connection to the gods and other spiritual forces, which in turn gives them greater influence and authority over their people. As such, it is true that a powerful chief would have been considered to have more mana than a commoner in Polynesia.

Quiz 12: Religion and Aesthetics