Gavin Howe
Cannibalism, or the consumption of human flesh, is a topic that evokes intense feelings of revulsion in most people. While it is often associated with extreme survival situations, such as the famous case of José Salvador Alvarenga, a sailor who survived over a year lost at sea, cannibalism has also been a part of various cultural and ritual practices throughout history. Despite its taboo nature, there are surprisingly few laws specifically prohibiting the consumption of human flesh. In the United States, for example, there are no federal laws against cannibalism, with the exception of Idaho, where it can carry a sentence of up to 14 years in prison. While most people would never consider cannibalism, it is interesting to explore the legal and ethical complexities surrounding this controversial topic.
Laws on cannibalism
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries with no laws against cannibalism | US (except Idaho), Germany, UK |
| Possible charges for cannibals | Outraging public decency, preventing a lawful burial, murder |
| Cannibalism in extreme conditions | Not illegal in the UK |
| Cannibalism in history | China, Central African Kasaï region, Fiji, Congo Basin, Europe, North Korea, Leningrad, New Guinea, Bismarck Archipelago, Solomon Islands |
| Cannibalism in popular culture | German ethnologist Leo Frobenius, British captain in the 1870s, anthropologist Lorimer Fison, ethnologist Felix Speiser, anthropologist Michael Krieger, archaeologist James Cole |
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What You'll Learn
Cannibalism in extreme conditions
Cannibalism, or the consumption of another individual of the same species, is a widespread practice among many animal groups. While human cannibalism is less common, it has been observed in various groups, including hominids, Crusaders, and soldiers in World War II. The motivation for consuming human flesh can be nutritional, ritualistic, or pathological.
In extreme conditions, cannibalism has been recorded as a means of survival when food sources are scarce. One example is the Donner party of settlers, who resorted to cannibalism while trying to cross the Sierra Nevada mountains in the 1840s. Similarly, the Franklin expedition in 1845 faced dwindling food supplies and engaged in nutritional cannibalism, as evidenced by recovered bones showing cuts and 'pot polishing'.
In some cultures, cannibalism was a customary practice. In the late 19th century, certain groups in the Congo Basin indulged in human flesh, considering it superior to other meats. Captured enemies, individuals from different ethnic groups, and enslaved people were consumed. Human flesh was also sold in marketplaces and appeared on tables up to the 1950s.
In China, records from the Twenty-Four Histories document over 300 instances of cannibalism, often as a means of avoiding starvation during famines and wars. Cannibalism was also employed as a form of vengeance, with individuals consuming their enemies' flesh. Additionally, voluntary cannibalism was reported, with young individuals offering their flesh as medical treatment for ill family members.
Despite the existence of cannibalism in extreme conditions, it is essential to note that consuming human flesh is illegal in most places. In the United States, while there are no specific laws prohibiting the consumption of human flesh in 49 states, it is illegal to kill someone and desecrate corpses. Similarly, in Germany, while cannibalism is not illegal, Armin Meiwes was convicted of murder after killing and consuming a consenting individual.
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Cannibalism as a cultural practice
Cannibalism has been a cultural practice in many societies throughout history, and it continues in some societies today. While it is often associated with evil and is considered one of society's greatest taboos, it has been practised for a variety of reasons, including nutritional, cultural, and medicinal.
Nutritional Cannibalism
In some cases, cannibalism has been practised out of necessity during times of extreme food scarcity, such as famine, war, or shipwreck. For example, during the Yuan dynasty (13th-14th century), it was noted that "children's meat was the best food of all in taste". Well-known instances of survival cannibalism include the Donner Party (1846-1847), the Holodomor (1932-1933), and the crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 (1972).
Cultural Cannibalism
In some societies, cannibalism has been a culturally accepted practice, often associated with warfare and the consumption of slain enemies. This form of cannibalism, known as exocannibalism, has been interpreted as a way to acquire the desired qualities of the victim, to humiliate and dominate a defeated enemy, or to assert one's power and superiority. The Wari' people of the Brazilian Amazon, for example, practised both exo- and endocannibalism (the consumption of people outside and inside one's close social group, respectively) until the 1960s. In Fiji, exocannibalism was widely accepted, with chiefs dining on the flesh of slain enemies while the common people consumed those who were not chosen by the chiefs.
Medicinal Cannibalism
Medicinal cannibalism has also been documented in various cultures, including early modern Europe, where human body parts or blood were consumed to treat various ailments. In China, human organs, nails, and hair were used in medicinal compounds, while in early Greece, human blood was thought to cure epilepsy. Even as Europeans were condemning cannibalism in the New World, they themselves were consuming human parts as medicine.
It is important to note that while some societies have practised cannibalism as a cultural tradition, it is still considered illegal in most parts of the world today.
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Cannibalism and the law
Cannibalism, or the consumption of human flesh, has been viewed with revulsion and abhorrence in Western societies. However, the practice has existed in various forms throughout history, driven by factors such as food scarcity, cultural beliefs, and ritual significance. While it may be considered morally wrong, the legality of cannibalism is a separate question with nuanced answers depending on the jurisdiction.
In the United States, for example, there are no federal laws specifically prohibiting the consumption of human flesh. In 49 states, there are no explicit statutes against cannibalism. However, this does not mean that one can freely engage in cannibalistic acts without legal repercussions. The law still prohibits killing someone, even with their consent, as it would constitute murder. Additionally, desecration of corpses, which includes dismemberment and mutilation, is illegal in most states.
The state of Idaho stands out as an exception, where engaging in cannibalism can result in up to 14 years of imprisonment. This specific law was likely implemented to deter and punish acts of cannibalism within the state's jurisdiction.
In other parts of the world, the legality of cannibalism varies. For instance, in Germany, while cannibalism itself is not illegal, a case involving Armin Meiwes resulted in a conviction for manslaughter, and later, murder, showcasing the complexities of applying existing laws to cannibalistic acts.
In the United Kingdom, there is no specific offence of cannibalism. However, individuals could face charges for related offences such as outraging public decency or preventing a lawful burial. The lack of specific laws against cannibalism in some jurisdictions does not imply acceptance or encouragement of the practice but rather reflects the challenge of legislating against rare and culturally sensitive behaviours.
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Cannibalism as a health risk
Cannibalism, or the consumption of human flesh, has been a part of human culture for thousands of years and continues to occur in modern times. While it may provide certain nutritional benefits, it also poses significant health risks that cannot be ignored.
One of the primary health risks associated with cannibalism is the potential for disease transmission. Prion diseases, such as kuru, have been linked to the consumption of human flesh. Kuru has an extremely long incubation period, sometimes lasting decades, and is always fatal. Although kuru is now rare, it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in cannibalistic practices.
Additionally, cannibalism can increase the risk of encountering infected victims. This is particularly true in populations where cannibalism is more prevalent, as the close contact and consumption of human remains can facilitate the spread of pathogens. The act of cannibalism can also cause injuries, as predators often target younger or more vulnerable individuals, increasing the likelihood of infection through open wounds.
Furthermore, the nutritional benefits of cannibalism are questionable. While human flesh may provide similar nutritional value to that of animals of comparable size, the human body is not typically viewed as a food source. As such, the nutritional content of human flesh may not align with the specific dietary needs of those engaging in cannibalism, leading to potential nutritional deficiencies over time.
The psychological impacts of cannibalism also cannot be overlooked. In many cultures, consuming human flesh is considered taboo, and engaging in such acts can have profound effects on an individual's mental health and social standing. The ethical implications of cannibalism, including the potential for murder or desecration of corpses, further complicate the matter.
In conclusion, while cannibalism may have occurred throughout history and continues to occur in various forms, it poses significant health risks that far outweigh any potential benefits. The consumption of human flesh can lead to deadly diseases, increased pathogen transmission, and nutritional imbalances. Additionally, the psychological and ethical ramifications of cannibalism cannot be ignored. Therefore, it is essential to recognize the inherent dangers of cannibalism and address any underlying causes that may lead individuals or communities to engage in such practices.
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Cannibalism in popular culture
Cannibalism has been a topic of fascination and horror in popular culture for decades, with numerous books, films, and TV shows exploring this taboo subject. While it is illegal in most places, there are no laws explicitly prohibiting the consumption of human flesh in 49 US states. This absence of anti-cannibalism statutes has not stopped directors and authors from incorporating cannibalism into their works, often as a means to explore societal power structures, shame, fear, and the darker side of human nature.
Books
Cannibalism has been a recurring theme in literature, often serving as a metaphor for the inhumanity of human beings or as a way to explore the boundaries of morality and taboo. One example is the 1980-1983 series "The Book of the New Sun" by Gene Wolfe, in which cannibalism and drugs are used to gain the memories of the dead. Donald Kingsbury's "Courtship Rite" (1982) also delves into cannibalism as an essential part of social and religious life in a world where food is scarce and humans are the only source of meat. The 2017 Argentinian dystopian novel "Tender Is the Flesh" by Agustina Bazterrica takes this idea further, depicting a society that consumes human flesh instead of animal flesh as a commentary on capitalism.
Films
Cannibalism has also made its way into cinema, often in the horror genre, but also in dramas and thrillers. Mimi Cave's 2022 romantic horror film "Fresh" stars Sebastian Stan as a human flesh connoisseur, using his charms to source female bodies for consumption. Luca Guadagnino's "Bones and All" (2022) takes a tragic look at two cannibal lovers, exploring themes of marginalization, abandonment, and trauma. The French film "Trouble Every Day" (2001) takes a different approach, portraying cannibalism purely as a sexual act, with director Claire Denis exploring the ability to love as a form of hunger.
TV Shows
Television has also embraced the topic of cannibalism, often as a way to shock and intrigue viewers. The popular series "Game of Thrones" featured a memorable scene in which Arya Stark avenges the slaughter of her family by serving Walder Frey a meat pie made from his sons. The post-apocalyptic series "The 100" depicts a society forced to resort to cannibalism due to limited food sources, while "The Walking Dead" and its TV adaptation portray a group of cannibals who turn to eating other survivors to survive. More recently, the American TV series "Yellowjackets" (2021) gained attention for its portrayal of a group of high school students driven to cannibalism after surviving a plane crash.
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Frequently asked questions
Cannibalism is not illegal in the US, except in Idaho, where one could face up to 14 years in prison. However, it is still illegal to kill someone and eat them, even if the person consented to being killed.
Consuming cooked human flesh is no more dangerous than eating the cooked flesh of other animals. However, one organ that should be avoided at all costs is the brain. Eating the brain can cause kuru, a fatal transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE).
Cannibalism has been documented in various cultures and historical periods, including ancient China, Central Africa, the Congo Basin, the Solomon Islands, Fiji, and early modern Europe. In some cases, cannibalism was driven by food scarcity during famines and wars, while in other instances, it was motivated by cultural beliefs, vengeance, or culinary pleasure.
In some cultures, cannibalism was believed to be a way of taking on the strength of one's enemies or deceased relatives. In other cultures, consuming human flesh had ritual significance, such as in funerary practices or as a medical treatment.
While there are no specific laws prohibiting the sale of human body parts, it is generally illegal to desecrate a corpse, which could include dismemberment and mutilation. However, there have been reports of a body trade, with certain body parts being sold for high prices.
