What is Anthropophagy?

Cannibalism, deriving from the Spanish word Carib, a tribe in the West Indies known to practice the act, is more politically defined as anthropophagy. Zoologists associate the term with species that knowingly consume body parts of their own kind. In this particular case, human cannibalism is the respective topic. Evidence of cannibalism has been discovered in various locations across the globe. The only that question remains - why?

Lamentations 4: 10 (New International Version)

"With their own hands compassionate women have cooked their own children, who became their food when my people were destroyed."

Various sources depict contrasting methods and reasons behind cannibalism. In Greek mythology, human sacrifices were prepared as feasts necessary to please the Gods. Numerous South American tribes and cultures were associated with cannibalism after eating the remains of fallen enemies, etc. The first English colonists settling in the New World (Modern day America) wrote in reference to a period known as the "Starving Time," whereas individuals would engage in the act to prevent dire starvation. Even historical expeditionary teams have been presented with similar occurrences, and were inevitably forced to consume the remains of their deceased comrades. War, serial killings, etc. also produced situations relating to cannibalism.

Naturally, some of the previous occurrences listed above were initiated due to survival and self preservation. However, other cases differ drastically. Those which do not rely on survival and starvation were enacted in hopes of obtaining power, reacting based on cultural norm, or even manipulated by insanity and social deprivation. Other religious beliefs base the cannibalistic nature off supernatural beings. For example, Hindu mythology describes an evil being known as a "rakshasa," a demon who preys on the flesh of their own kind. In particular cases of Christianity, cannibalism can be considered indulging the body of and blood of Christ, though it is merely symbolic for the cracker and wine.

To conclude, cannibalism has not only been practiced historically, but few modern day cultures and religious groups still induce the act. Naturally, it is legally and morally condemned though. I have included an additional link for those interesting on the topic.

HyperHistory.Net (2010). A history of human sacrifice and cannibalism. Retrieved Jan 20, 2010 from http://www.hyperhistory.net/apwh/essays/cot/t0w13cannibalism.htm