Lillian Young: In Class Reading: Ancient Art and Ritual Chapter 2

 In chapter 2, Primitive Ritual: Pantomimic Dances, the authoer states that, in ancient writings, "the heathen in his blindness" was often depicted as a foolish being, worshipping false gods and seeking help through magical dances. The focus was on the blindness of the heathen rather than an understanding of their behavior. Savage rituals, such as dancing, are often misunderstood and seen as primitive superstitions, but there is a deeper psychological aspect to these practices.The worship of false gods and magical dances seem more significant to the hymn writers than to the savages themselves. The savages are more concerned with action, using dances and spells to achieve their goals rather than seeking help from false gods. This emphasis on action is also seen in modern superstitions in Europe, where dances and rituals are believed to influence the growth of crops. Similarly, the magical dances of the Omaha Indians to bring rain for their crops are seen as primitive practices, but are, in fact, a form of collective action driven by intense desire.