Cannibalism - The Forbidden Meat

Cannibalism in Brazil in 1557 as described by Hans Staden. Gravure by Théodore de Bry, 1562. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

The Taboo of Cannibalism Cannibalism is one of the most forbidden and taboo topics in human history. The idea of consuming human flesh is something that most people find repulsive, even nauseating. Yet, throughout history, there have been many instances of cannibalism, both in ancient cultures - and in more recent times. In this article, we will explore the history of cannibalism, its cultural significance, and why it is considered one of the ultimate taboos.

The History of Cannibalism Cannibalism is a practice that dates back to prehistoric times. Evidence of cannibalism has been found in many archaeological sites, including the famous Neanderthal site in El Sidrón, Spain. There, researchers found evidence that the Neanderthals who lived in the area some 50,000 years ago practiced cannibalism, likely for ritualistic or survival reasons.

Many ancient cultures also practiced cannibalism. For example, in Mesoamerica, the Aztecs believed that consuming human flesh would give them strength and power. They would often sacrifice captives of war and then consume their flesh in religious ceremonies. The ancient Polynesians also practiced cannibalism, particularly during times of famine or war. Some tribes in Papua New Guinea and Africa have also been known to practice cannibalism, particularly in times of crisis.

Anarchist caricature taken from Père Peinard and quoted in Le Péril anarchiste (Félix Dubois). Caption: “Never satiated the abominable Ghoul! Rude bitch, Madame Patrie: she eats her children!". (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

Cannibalism has also been documented in more recent history. The most famous example is probably the case of the Donner Party, a group of pioneers who became stranded in the Sierra Nevada mountains in the winter of 1846-47. As food supplies dwindled, some members of the group resorted to cannibalism to survive. Similarly, during the Siege of Leningrad in World War II, some residents of the city turned to cannibalism to survive the long winter.

This is a scan of the diary from the Bancroft Library, the text reads "Frid 26th. Froze hard last night. Marthas jaw swelled with the toothache: hungry times in camp, plenty hides but the folks will not eat them - we eat them with a tolerable good appetite. Thanks be to Almighty God. Amen. Mrs Murphy said here yesterday that thought she would Commence on Milton and eat him. I don't know that she has done so yet - it is distressing. The Donnor's told the California folks that they commence to eat the dead people 4 days ago - if they did not succeed that day or next in finding their cattle, then under ten or twelve feet of snow & did not know the spot or near it - I suppose they have done so ere this time". (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

Cultural Significance Cannibalism has played a significant role in many cultures throughout history. In some cultures, it was believed that consuming human flesh would give the person strength or power. In other cultures, cannibalism was a way of honoring the dead or as part of religious rituals.

For example, in Fiji, the practice of consuming the bodies of enemies was seen as a way of showing respect and honor for the dead. Similarly, in some Native American cultures, the consumption of the flesh of one's enemies was seen as a way of taking on their strength and power.

In many cases, cannibalism was also used as a form of punishment. For example, in ancient China, the punishment for some crimes was to be executed and then consumed by the public. This was seen as a way of demonstrating the severity of the crime and deterring others from committing similar acts.

Cannibals with their victims, Samara province, Volga region, Russia, 1921. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

Why is Cannibalism Taboo? Despite its prevalence throughout history, cannibalism is considered one of the ultimate taboos in most cultures. The reasons for this are complex, but there are several factors that contribute to its taboo status.

One reason for the taboo of cannibalism, aside from all the moral issues, is the idea of disgust. Most people find the idea of consuming human flesh to be repulsive and revolting. This visceral reaction is deeply ingrained in most people and is likely the result of evolution. In many cultures, the consumption of pork is also forbidden, which could be a result of the historical association between pigs and disease.

Another reason for the taboo of cannibalism is the potential health risks associated with consuming human flesh. Humans can carry a variety of diseases and infections that can be transmitted through the consumption of flesh. For example, prions, the infectious agents responsible for mad cow disease, can also be found in human brains. Additionally, humans may carry diseases that are specific to our species, which could be transmitted through cannibalism. For example, kuru, a neurological disorder, was spread through the consumption of human brain tissue in Papua New Guinea in the mid-20th century.

Cannibalism also violates many cultural and religious taboos, including the idea that the dead should be treated with respect and dignity. The consumption of human flesh is seen as a violation of this fundamental cultural norm and is often associated with barbarism and savagery.

Finnish soldiers displaying the skins of Soviet soldiers near Maaselkä, on the strand of lake Seesjärvi during The Continuation War on the 15th of December in 1942. Original caption: "An enemy recon patrol that was cut out of food supplies had butchered a few members of their own patrol group, and had eaten most of them".

(Source: Wikimedia Commons).

In addition, the act of cannibalism is often associated with violence, power, and dominance. Consuming the flesh of another person is seen as an act of aggression and a violation of their bodily autonomy. This association between cannibalism and violence is often reinforced in popular culture, where cannibals are portrayed as deranged and monstrous individuals. The taboo of cannibalism is so strong that it is often used as a metaphor for other forbidden behaviors or desires. For example, the term "cannibalism" is used in the financial industry to describe the practice of one company taking over another and absorbing its assets.

Conclusion Cannibalism is a practice that has been present throughout human history, with examples of the practice found in cultures across the world. However, it is also one of the ultimate taboos, evoking feelings of disgust, fear, and revulsion in most people. The reasons for the taboo of cannibalism are complex, and include cultural and religious beliefs, health concerns, and associations with violence and aggression. While the practice of cannibalism is not as common today as it once was, it remains a potent symbol of the forbidden and the taboo.

Johannes Herold, Basel 1554. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

The Different Types of Cannibalism Cannibalism can take on many different forms, from the consumption of human flesh for survival to ritualistic practices in ancient cultures. In this part of the article, we will explore the different types of cannibalism and the reasons why people have engaged in this practice throughout history.

Survival Cannibalism One of the most well-known types of cannibalism is survival cannibalism. This occurs when people are forced to consume human flesh to stay alive in extreme situations, such as during a famine or a disaster. Examples of survival cannibalism include the Donner Party, who turned to cannibalism during their ill-fated journey to California in the mid-19th century, and the survivors of the 1972 Andes plane crash. In these cases, the consumption of human flesh is seen as a last resort and is often accompanied by feelings of guilt, shame, and trauma. While survival cannibalism is a rare occurrence, it highlights the extreme measures that people may take in order to stay alive.

Endocannibalism Endocannibalism is the practice of consuming the flesh of members of one's own community or tribe. This type of cannibalism was common in many ancient cultures and was often associated with religious or ritualistic practices. Examples of endocannibalism include the Aztec practice of consuming the flesh of captives of war and the practice of consuming the bodies of deceased relatives among some tribes in Papua New Guinea. In many cases, endocannibalism was seen as a way of honoring the dead or as a way of taking on the qualities of the person whose flesh was consumed. It was often accompanied by elaborate funeral rites and rituals, including the preservation of the body and the consumption of specific body parts, such as the heart or brain.

Exocannibalism Exocannibalism is the practice of consuming the flesh of people outside of one's own community or tribe. This type of cannibalism was often associated with warfare and the consumption of the bodies of enemies. In some cultures, exocannibalism was seen as a way of gaining strength and power from one's enemies, while in others it was a form of punishment or retribution.

Matthew Paris, a Benedictine Monk writing in 1240 A.D., painted this very fanciful (and inaccurate) picture of Mongol warriors at a cannibal feast as part of his Chronica Majora. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

Examples of exocannibalism include the Maori practice of consuming the bodies of enemy tribes, as well as the practice of consuming the flesh of prisoners of war in ancient China. Like endocannibalism, exocannibalism was often accompanied by elaborate rituals and beliefs, including the idea that consuming the flesh of one's enemies would bring strength and power to the individual or community.

Cultural and Symbolic Cannibalism In addition to these more concrete forms of cannibalism, there are also cultural and symbolic forms of cannibalism. These may include the use of cannibalism as a metaphor for other behaviors or desires, as well as the consumption of non-human forms of flesh, such as animal or plant-based flesh.

Infamous Examples of Cannibalism in History Throughout history, there have been many infamous examples of cannibalism, from the Donner Party to the tragic fate of the passengers of the Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571. These examples have shaped our understanding of cannibalism and its place in human history. In this part of the article, we will explore some of the most well-known examples of cannibalism in history.

The Donner Party One of the most well-known examples of survival cannibalism is the story of the Donner Party, a group of pioneers who became stranded in the Sierra Nevada mountains in the winter of 1846-47. The group, which included men, women, and children, was trapped in the mountains for months, and many of them died from exposure and starvation. Desperate for food, the survivors turned to cannibalism, consuming the flesh of those who had died in order to stay alive. In total, it is estimated that 14 members of the group were cannibalized.

The story of the Donner Party is often seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of westward expansion and the extreme measures that people may take in order to survive in the face of adversity.

The Andes Survivors Another well-known example of survival cannibalism is the story of the survivors of the 1972 Andes plane crash. The group, which was made up of members of a Uruguayan rugby team and their friends and family, was traveling to Chile when their plane crashed in the Andes mountains.

The survivors were stranded in the mountains for 72 days, and many of them died from injuries, exposure, and starvation. In order to stay alive, the survivors turned to cannibalism, consuming the flesh of those who had died in the crash. The incident was made into a motion picture in 1993.

1972: A chartered flight carrying a Uruguayan rugby team to its match in Chile crashes in the high Andes, resulting in one of the most grueling survival ordeals of modern times. (Source: link).

The story of the Andes survivors is often seen as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the extreme measures that people may take in order to survive.

Infamous Serial Killers In addition to these more well-known examples, there have also been many infamous cases of cannibalism committed by serial killers. For example, Jeffrey Dahmer, also known as the Milwaukee Cannibal, was convicted of murdering and dismembering 17 men and boys, many of whom he also cannibalized. Similarly, Albert Fish, also known as the Gray Man or the Werewolf of Wysteria, was a notorious serial killer who is believed to have cannibalized at least one of his victims.

Photo of Jeffrey Dahmer as a senior in high school. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

Conclusion Cannibalism has taken on many different forms and meanings. Whether it is driven by necessity, ritual, or the darkest impulses of human nature, the act of consuming human flesh has always been considered taboo and morally repugnant. The examples of cannibalism that we have explored in this article demonstrate the many different contexts in which the practice has occurred and the ways in which it has been perceived by different cultures and societies.

However, despite its taboo status, the subject of cannibalism continues to fascinate and intrigue people to this day. In popular culture, cannibalism is often portrayed as a gruesome and horrifying act, and it has been the subject of countless books, movies, and television shows.

But beyond its cultural significance, cannibalism also holds important implications for our understanding of human nature, morality, and the limits of human survival. It challenges us to question our own moral compass and what we are capable of in extreme situations. As we continue to explore the complex and multifaceted nature of cannibalism, we must also remember to approach the subject with sensitivity and respect for the many cultures and societies for whom the practice holds deep symbolic or religious significance.

In the end, the practice of cannibalism remains a taboo and controversial subject, one that will continue to challenge our understanding of human nature and the limits of our morality for generations to come.