The occupational folklife of a Norfolk lurcherman

Partyka, Justin (2001) The occupational folklife of a Norfolk lurcherman. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

This thesis is a study of the occupational folklife of a Norfolk lurcherman, an individual who hunts using the type of cross-bred running dog known as a lurcher. The study begins by exploring the sociocultural world of the lurcherman in the rural county of Norfolk, England, which has a rich tradition of lurchers being used by both poachers and professional warreners. The origins ofthe lurcher dog are discussed, highlighting its role as a counter-hegemonic force. Emphasis is placed upon the lurcherman's work technique, discussing the specific tools, informal knowledge and skills ofthe trade. Alongside this is the lurcher's central role within the work group. Ethnographic observation of the lurcherman examines how work technique is put into practice. Looking at the issues surrounding lurcher breeding emphasises its nature as a folk science. The study concludes with a speculation of the lurcherman's future.

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