This engaging case study of Salasaca, a village in highland Ecuador, examines indigenous beliefs about writing, such as Day of the Dead name lists, comparisons with weaving, and a witch who kills people listed in his book of names. Magical Writing in Salasaca demonstrates that these beliefs reflect extensive contact with birth certificates, baptism
Peter Wogan is assistant professor of anthropology at Willamette University.
1 Introduction -- 2 Witchcraft and Writing -- 3 Sources of Magical Beliefs -- 4 God's Book -- 5 The Day of the Dead -- 6 Weaving and Writing -- 7 Conclusion
