Cannibalism

Cannibalism is the act or practice of eating members of one's own species and usually refers to humans eating other humans (sometimes called anthropophagy). Cannibalism has been attributed to many different tribes and races in the past, but the degree to which it has actually occurred and been socially sanctioned is an extremely controversial topic in anthropology. Some anthropologists argue that cannibalism has been almost non-existent and view claims of cannibalism with extreme skepticism, while others argue that the practice was common in pre-state societies.

Cannibalism as a funeral rite

Several cultures have been known to eat their dead loved ones as a matter of course, such as the Fore tribe of New Guinea (see above).

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According to an episode of Ripley's Believe It or Not TV show, cannibalism has been practiced since ancient times in India by followers of Kali as a ritual, and a few sadhus from the Aghora sect still continue the tradition of eating human flesh from the Ganges.

Related Topics:
Ripley's Believe It or Not - India - Kali - Sadhu - Ganges

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