An exploration of human relationships with water through the lens of anthropology and politics. From ancient beliefs in water serpent deities to the current environmental crisis, the podcast discusses the need to turn back the tide of ecological disaster. It also highlights water poverty in western societies and the importance of indigenous protests and artistic depictions. The United Nations' approach to water issues and the concept of developing a kinship-based relationship with rivers are also discussed.
Water beings symbolize the importance of water in sustaining life and the shift towards dominance over nature has contributed to the current environmental crisis.
The resource-oriented view of water as a commodity has detached humans from perceiving it as a sentient and powerful creative partner, necessitating a shift towards more sustainable ways of engaging with water.
Deep dives
Water Beings in Different Cultures
Water beings, ancestral or supernatural figures, appear globally in ancient rock carvings, paintings, and various objects and images. These beings personify the powers of water and reflect its characteristics. Examples include giant anacondas, cloud dragons, plumed serpents, python beings, and Chinese dragons. They symbolize hydrological flows, fertility, and the importance of water in sustaining life.
Transformation of Water Beings
Through history, as societies became more stratified and gained control over their environment, water beings changed form. They acquired human features or were displaced by deities in human form. The shift signified a shift in power relations and a move away from respecting and partnering with nature. This shift towards dominance and control over nature has contributed to the current environmental crisis.
Consequences of Water as a Resource
In recent centuries, technological developments and human activities have redirected fresh water flows for human interests, such as agriculture and urban settlements. This resource-oriented view of water has led to the compromise of freshwater ecosystems around the world, causing species extinctions and pollution. The focus on water as a resource has detached humans from perceiving water as a sentient and powerful creative partner. Addressing the environmental crisis requires a shift towards more thoughtful and sustainable ways of engaging with water.
Water Ways: Laurie Taylor wades into the deep end with an exploration of human relationships with water. He talks to Veronica Strang, Professor of Anthropology, affiliated to Oxford University, whose latest study takes us from nature worship to the environmental crisis. Early human societies worshipped ‘nature beings’, including water serpent deities who manifested the elemental and generative powers of water. Such beliefs supported collaborative co-existence with the non-human world. How might an understanding of the role and symbolism of water serpents help us turn back the tide of ecological disaster?
They’re joined by Anna Mdee, Professor in the Politics of Global Development at the University of Leeds, who argues that water poverty isn't confined to the Global South, but takes a different form in the western societies, impacting around 20% of households in England and Wales.
Producer: Jayne Egerton
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