Klaipėdos universitetas

This article addresses universal laws of the functioning of open systems involved in myth-oriented semiosis, categorisation and world-modelling. The paper focuses on isomorphic regularities occurring in irrational rationalisation and respective verbal phenomena. The outlined systemic and inter-systemic interactions are interpreted from the standpoint of M-logic methodology, semiotics, cognitive linguistics and cultural studies. The paper suggests formalised notations for logical construals, and demonstrates the cognitive premises of myth-oriented designations and the etymological reconstruction of a basic operator’s content.

In the past three decades cosmic events such as supernovae and the impact of large meteorites have undergone a remarkable renaissance in being considered as a trigger of radical change, not only on geological timescales but also among prehistoric cultures. In such theories, archaeological horizons indicative of destruction events are combined with evidence from dendrochronology, ice-core analysis, mythical traditions etc. and are put forward as evidence for cultural disasters caused by cosmic events. This paper critically scrutinizes the underlying concepts of “cosmic catastrophe” and “cultural disaster” as well as the methods that are meant to corroborate them. Special emphasis is placed upon the limitations that show up in analyzing myth and folklore.

Like several other Gran Chaco indigenous groups, the Wichí identify several constellations in the sky; among them, Venus appears as an important celestial object generally identified with the mythical motif of the Star Woman. This character (kates lhukwetah) is crucial in an important myth associated with Venus. The mythical motif of the Star Woman will therefore be analysed. The cultural meanings implicit in Wichí representations of women and gender relationships are tracked in several social, symbolic, celestial and material contexts. Meaningful relationships between celestial beings (Venus), cosmological representations (Star Woman) and feminine social life (material culture, string figures, marriage alliance, initiation rites) are verified and analyzed.