Protection, prevention and restitution : aspects of the evil eye in the Mediterranean with special reference to Malta

Abstract

The evil eye construct has ancient origins and is heavily concentrated in the region surrounding the Mediterranean sea as well as the Near East and the Indian subcontinent. Anthropological research on the subject is limited partly because of the evil eye’s folkloric connotations and also falls short of explaining why the evil eye continues to be prevalent in contemporary urban societies since most of the literature focuses on fieldwork amongst rural, peasant communities in the 60s and 70s. This dissertation aims to explain why the evil eye belief and its associated practices continue to flourish in contemporary Mediterranean communities with a specific focus on Malta. Key attributes of the evil eye construct are discussed in the literature review which utilises both anthropological research and folklore reports. The links between the evil eye, honour and shame and social relationships are explored, along with socioeconomic explanations. The primary research consists of conversations with Maltese individuals about their knowledge of the evil eye belief system and the role that it plays in their lives.