L'énigme du don

Synopsis of L'énigme du don

In this fundamental work, Maurice Godelier examines the role and importance of the gift in the functioning of societies and the construction of social bonds. Building on the research of Marcel Mauss, the author analyzes how the exchange of objects, especially those considered sacred, reveals the complex relationship between what must be given, what must be accepted, and what must be returned, unveiling the imaginary of power that underlies these social practices. The book proposes an innovative perspective by distinguishing between objects that circulate in the market and those that are kept outside of exchange, acting as necessary anchors for social cohesion. It is an essential read for understanding the foundations of contemporary political anthropology and the nature of human relationships in various social structures.