The Pure and the Impure: Anthropological Approaches for the Study of the Ancient World

The article explores how the categories of pure and impure have been introduced and utilized in the studies of cultural and social anthropology, and how the debate surrounding the themes of purity and impurity has evolved over time, providing analytical perspectives and approaches useful for the study of the ancient world. It also reflects on the connection of this topic with the notions of identity, liminality, and boundary, within processual and dynamic, constructivist, and anthropo-poietic perspectives. Finally, it highlights the political implications of the notions of purity and contamination in today’s society.