POLYTHEISM OF M'NONG PEOPLE: FROM THE VIEWPOINT OF FUNCTION THEORY

Abstract

Polytheism has given deep impressions in M’nong cultural life. With its own specific features, polytheism has assumed major roles in regulating and maintaining the stability of the M’nong community, living in precarious and natural-dependent conditions. Using Function theory of B. Malinowski and A. Radcliffe Brown, this study approaches and identifies elements, roles and significance of polytheism in the M’nong cultural life in the Central Highlands.