First used to describe religious movements that emerged in Melanesia following contact with Allied military personnel in World War II, cargo cults are sects and ritualized behaviors intended to summon outsiders (and their stuff) back and bring about a new age. We’ll explore theories for why they come about, discuss some examples of cargo cults in the traditional definition, and consider what parallels might exist in other cultures.
Connect with James on Twitter: @paleoimaging
Links
How “Cargo Cult” Is Born: Scientific Angle on an Old Subject (Pacific Islands Monthly, via Trove)
50 Years Ago: Cargo Cults of Melanesia (Scientific American)
Prince Philip: the unlikely but willing Pacific deity (The Guardian)
Prince Philip: The Vanuatu tribes mourning the death of their 'god' (BBC News)
Contact
Email the Dirt Podcast: thedirtpodcast@gmail.com
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