Abstract
This article draws on socio-anthropological theories of ritual and performance to analyse the
initiation ceremony of the Sicilian mafia in relation to questions of power, authority and submission.
In particular, it looks at the oath of loyalty sworn during the ceremony as a highly symbolic ritual
practice which contributes to maintaining and strengthening the social structure of the group and
its collective identity.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | FORUM: University of Edinburgh Postgraduate Journal of Culture and the Arts |
| Issue number | 17 |
| Publication status | Published - 6 Dec 2013 |