Banqueting as an extreme sport: Agonism and the Georgian supra
Prof Kevin Tuite, University of Montréal, Dept of Anthropology Banqueting as an extreme sport: Agonism and the Georgian supra.
November 5, 3-5 pm (Sign-up here) for zoom link.
The talk will begin with a description of the Georgian “supra”, including its basic rules, toasting sequence, and the role of the “tamada” (toastmaster). This will be followed by a brief account of the origins and history of the supra, its links to the Iranian votive “sofreh”, and ritual banquets in the context of Georgian vernacular religion. The concept of agonism will be presented with respect to Georgian culture in general, and the supra in particular. Two aspects of agonism will be discussed: (1) positive agonism: the competitive display of quantity and capacity; and (2) negative agonism: the competitive display of self-control and endurance.
Kevin Tuite is professor of Anthropology at the University of Montréal. He specializes in Caucasian linguistics and anthropology, with a special focus on on Georgian and Svan. Web page: www.philologie.com
The seminar is part of the series Meet Georgian Culture at Malmö University. Read more here.